Overview: Northern Ireland’s Boatyard Distillery is securing significant capital to scale operations and introduce a new mid-strength offering. The Fermanagh-based producer plans to increase annual output from 300,000 bottles to over 1.6 million units through strategic investment.
The Full Story
Joe McGirr, founder and CEO of The Boatyard Distillery, highlighted the necessity of scaling production to meet growing international demand while maintaining quality standards. The distillery is implementing sustainability-focused upgrades alongside new equipment and automation technology to support this growth. Funding for the project includes a £510,000 contribution from Invest Northern Ireland via the Agri-Food Investment Initiative, supplemented by loans from Whiterock Capital Partnership and equity from Co-Fund NI/Clarendon Fund Managers.
The investment facilitates a fivefold increase in production capacity, moving from 300,000 bottles annually to more than 1.6 million bottles. This infrastructure upgrade includes automation technology designed to boost productivity and strengthen export capability at the site. The Northern Ireland-based distillery partnered with Banfi Wines & Spirits for its US expansion last year.
Production & Profile
The investment facilitates a fivefold increase in production capacity, moving from 300,000 bottles annually to more than 1.6 million bottles. This infrastructure upgrade includes automation technology designed to boost productivity and strengthen export capability at the site.
Brand & Industry History
As a B Corp-certified gin and vodka producer, Boatyard Distillery has established itself as one of the region’s premium drinks producers in Northern Ireland. The company operates within the Fermanagh area and is recognized for its success in international markets such as North America.
What This Means
This expansion allows the distillery to maximize opportunities with major distribution partners while accelerating growth across Europe and North America. The launch of V-52, a new mid-strength spirit, signals a diversification into the mid-strength category alongside existing gin and vodka lines.
Consumer Takeaway
Drinkers can expect increased availability of current products and access to the newly launched V-52 mid-strength spirit as production capabilities rise. The investment ensures the ability to meet demand while maintaining the quality and consistency customers expect from the brand.
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