SCOTS distillers have produced one million gin-filled baubles after selling out 30,000 in just 82 seconds last Christmas.
Pickering’s Gin experienced massive demand for the boozy tree ornaments in 2016 when the colourful decorations were championed by bloggers and fashion magazines.
This year the Edinburgh-based company has massively increased production of the festive trinkets as it looks to quadruple its annual turnover.
The firm has increased its headcount four-fold as it prepares for the key retail period. It also brought in a custom-designed machine to fill the baubles at its Summerhall base.
Managers will sell the patented product in packs of six 5cl measures for £30 a time.
With fewer than twelve weeks to go until December 25, the sets are now available online and from more than 200 retailers across the UK, Australia, Denmark and the Netherlands.
Matthew Gammell, Pickering’s co-founder and head distiller, said: “Last Christmas we very quickly realised how popular our idea had become, and as a result we sold out well before we wanted to.
“We’ve been gearing up for Christmas 2017 since December last year, and have taken steps to ensure that we are as ready as we can be.
“We have invested heavily in staff and our technology here at Summerhall, which has enabled us to hit our target of producing one million baubles on site.”
Pickering’s hired an extra six full time and 19 part time staff to prepare for the seasonal rush.
The move comes after the baubles scooped the inaugural Scottish Gin Awards ‘innovation of the year’ prize.
Meanwhile, the four-year-old company says it is making gains in overseas markets, including those in New Zealand, North America and Asia.
However, Marcus Pickering, co-founder and head of export, says the fledgling firm is committed to remaining in its city site.
Based in the kennels of the former Royal (Dick) Veterinary School, the Summerhall distillery is the first exclusive gin-making centre to be established in the capital in 150 years and the drink is based on a recipe dating back 70 years.
Pickering said: “Our appeal as a gin-distillery has always been our authenticity.
“Everything we do happens right here in the heart of Edinburgh and despite this incredible commercial shift for us as a distillery, our production and staff remain here at Summerhall.
“We have already secured deals to stock our product across the UK this Christmas, and we are looking forward to a very busy last few months in the run up to the festive period.”
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