Copeland Spirits Announces Expansion Plans

Just two years since it's launch and craft spirit producer Copeland Spirits are set to expand their workforce in order to meet creased customer demand.

Copeland Spirits launched its infused gin range to market almost two years ago and in this short time has secured listings with major retailers and wholesalers across Great Britain, Ireland and the Middle East. M&S, Musgrave Group, Sainsbury's and Peninsula in Abu Dhabi are among those now selling the Copeland brand.

The County Down firm's close working relationship with Invest Northern Ireland has contributed to its success.

Gareth Irvine, Director of Copeland Spirits, reflects on its progress: "Our ambition is to be the best of breed within the infused spirit sector and with Invest NI's support we are establishing our reputation as a quality producer in a rapidly expanding market," he said.

"This is an important growth stage in the business and recruiting three additional team members in production, marketing and delivery roles will enable us to respond to increased customer demand and target potential new distributors outside Northern Ireland. "Invest NI's continued assistance has given us the confidence, capability and contacts to sell our products in export markets. We are excited for this next stage of our development."

Welcoming the developments following a visit to the company's Saintfield-based premises, Mark Bleakney, Invest NI's Southern Regional Manager, said: "Copeland Spirits is an innovative young business that is already operating in international markets. Northern Ireland food and drink is held in high esteem globally because of the renowned quality of our local produce and Copeland Gin is a valuable addition to this offering."

Copeland Spirits produces the only infused gin range across the island of Ireland which uses locally sourced real fruit to create its rhuberry (rhubarb & blackberry) and raspberry & mint flavours.

Mark concluded: "The business has worked with us from inception and taken full advantage of the technical expertise and advice available at Invest NI to successfully launch and market its niche product. We are delighted to be supporting Copeland Spirits' continued growth and development."

Copeland Spirits participated on the Regional Start programme in 2016 and in recent years has benefited from Invest NI's technical advice and expertise towards its SALSA accreditation, branding and trade marking. Invest NI has also offered financial support towards the company's export development and recruitment of new staff. Invest NI's support is giving us the capabilities to leverage the growing demand for our services and raise our profile in the UK market.

(MH)