News

Asda ‘raises a glass’ to new deal with Hughes Craft Distillery!

Hughes Craft Distillery, based in Lisburn has secured a new contract to supply Asda with three products from the distillery’s ‘RubyBlue Spirits’ range.

This is the first time the ‘RubyBlue’ range, which includes RubyBlue Premium Vodka, RubyBlue Cranberry Liqueur and RubyBlue Blackcurrant Cassis, will be available in Asda stores across Northern Ireland.

Hughes Craft Distillery is the only fruit liqueur producer in Ireland, and is run solely by husband and wife team, Stuart and Barbara Hughes who make the product by hand in their Lisburn base.  Over the past six years, the company, which was the first craft spirits producer in Northern Ireland, has received awards for its unique infusions and has grown considerably through supply deals in the UK, Ireland and internationally.

Jill Jones from Asda’s local buying team explains:

“It’s fantastic to welcome ‘RubyBlue Spirits’ into the Asda family! The premium nature of the product and unique flavours are a real point of difference for our customers.  This is the first contract between Asda and the distillery and is a great example of our commitment to helping local businesses, both small and large reach their full potential.  Barbara and Stuart are shining examples of local suppliers, they take a real hands-on approach and fully immerse themselves in their business, from product concept to production through to marketing – and we really look forward to working with them.”

Barbara Hughes from Hughes Craft Distillery comments:

“We are delighted to secure this business with Asda.  ‘RubyBlue Spirits’ has been on a real journey, and we are proud to have created an artisan product that will now be stocked in Asda. Our unique range is perfect for customers looking to try something different in the spirit market. We’ve created Ireland’s first potato distilled vodka; it’s really smooth and perfect as a base for a cocktail.  Our liqueurs taste like real fruit as that’s because they are carefully made with real fruit in small batches.  We’re very excited to begin this relationship with Asda and embark on our next chapter in business!”

RubyBlue Premium Vodka, RubyBlue Cranberry Liqueur and RubyBlue Blackcurrant Cassis are available in selected Asda stores now.