The Shed Distillery in Co Leitrim has reported 'record' revenues of close to €10 million for 2020, despite the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The maker of the popular Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin saw sales rise from €8 million a year earlier as pre-tax profits increased to €1.93 million, reports the Irish Times.
Amidst COVID-19 uncertainty the family-owned business announced its plans to open a new €3 million visitor centre in September, despite there being a decline in tourists due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Irish Times, it was forced to close four weeks later due to new lockdown restrictions.
It is believed that the centre is now due to reopen.
Employment
Talking to The Irish Times, The Shed Distillery founder Pat Rigney said, “We have plans to create another 25 jobs to bring the workforce here to 75 as part of a significant investment in our brands and the community and we can’t wait to see visitors arriving here.”
“We distill every drop of spirit here in Co Leitrim so we have an authentic, exciting distillery with a great story to tell,” he added.
'Surprised and Delighted'
“We were very frightened at the start of the pandemic about what would happen to us but ended up being surprised and delighted at how well our brands performed in supermarket chains, off-licences and online,” said Rigney.
“I think we’re really well positioned to make further gains as societies around the world open up again. In a country of around 5 million people, the local market is not big enough but we’re thrilled by how well we’ve done at home and by the recognition we’re getting globally,” he added.
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