Gin distillery raises a glass to expansion plans

Manchester Gin is a raising a glass to the distillery’s planned relocation and expansion this Autumn, and a contract win with the Co-op.

The move involves the firm moving to a new customer-facing distillery in the arches at the Manchester Central Convention Complex this September, a site which will also include a gin school, bar, and restaurant.

Distillery bosses also revealed that their premium Signature Gin will be listed at more than 20 Co-op food stores across Greater Manchester, coming just three years after co-founders Jen Wiggins and Seb Heeley created their first gin in their dining room.

Seb Heeley said: “This is great timing, our focus this year has been to expand our reach both at home and abroad.

“We’re so pleased to win this listing with a retailer whose local heritage makes them a perfect partner for us.

“The win comes as our exciting plans to upscale our operations are about to come to fruition, and we ready ourselves for our new home in the arches at Manchester Central which will be designed to deliver the complete gin experience.”

Rachel Greenlees, Co-op’s local sourcing buyer, said: “Co-op is committed to creating value in its communities and the local sourcing of products is a cornerstone of our approach.

“Local produce is an area where we see continued sustainable growth.

“Our members and customers tell us that it is important to them and, it is driven by increasing consumer demand for trust, quality and provenance.

“These products are made with a mix of quality, pride, passion and innovation and the Co-op is continually looking for new ways to promote, celebrate and showcase great local products.”