The world’s first ever food and drink business Improvement development (BID) group from East Lothian has confirmed the expansion of a number of businesses.
A new NB Gin’s distillery, a new factory for Chocolate Tree and Belhaven Smokehouse’s production expansion all take place this year.
From flour to beef to rapeseed oil, the rich farmlands of East Lothian produce some of the finest food and drink in Scotland.
Viv Muir, CEO of NB Gin, said: “We are opening a distillery to ensure our global demand can be met.
“The distillery will also provide a luxury visitor experience where people will be able to learn, sample and relax in a beautiful environment. It will coincide with the launch of our new rum.”
Alastair Gower, CEO of Chocolate Tree, said: “We are over the moon to have made our new small batch chocolate factory a reality in East Lothian. We love it here. There is a huge demand for our products not only in the UK but overseas, and we are doing our best to keep up.”
Sandy Pate, sales manager of Belhaven Smokehouse, said: ‘’This is a very big step for a small business, heading most definitely in the right direction as we continue to grow our product ranges and volumes, and most importantly keeping our standards to the highest.’’
Louise Elder, who produces of Black & Gold Rapeseed Oil from crops grown on her East Lothian farm, and who leads the group, said: “By working together we can create a collective identity, a more vibrant economy and a sustainable future for our businesses.”
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