Pitlochry gin distiller toast of food and drink award judges

Helen Stewart hailed as inspiring example of diversification

A young Pitlochry woman who poured all her efforts into establishing a micro gin distillery to help diversify her family farm has won a food and drink award.

Helen Stewart, who established Badvo Distillery and began production of gin just last month, won the inaugural NFU Mutual and Scotland Food & Drink Inspirational Young Person Award after overcoming challenges and obstacles including having no money to invest in the new business.

She obtained grants, worked seven days a week and did everything herself, including foraging the botanicals she needs for the gin from the farm, distilling, and promoting the business through social media.

Helen said: “This is the perfect end to our first month of production”.

NFU Mutual regional manager Martin Malone said Helen stood out by taking a vision for the existing business that needed to diversify into other revenue streams in an area where she had no knowledge or contacts and creating a brand, product and premises.

“This included marketing heavily, product design, and distribution all from scratch, and was a tremendous example of innovation, energy and tenacity”.

Scotland Food & Drink chief executive James Withers said Helen’s dedication and determination had won over the judges.

Fodilicious, a Livingston company which produces freshly-prepared meals for people with dietary requirements, won second prize.

In third place was The Veg Co, an Aberdeenshire farm diversification business which makes jams, spice mixes and sauces.

Ben Foster from Forfar won a special commendation for his ingenuity in using his grandma’s recipes to make jams from local produce.

Picture: PPA. Helen Stewart was presented with her certificate and £500 by Margaret Hebbourn and Brian Lochhead of NFU Mutual and Kathryn Mutch of Scotland Food & Drink.