Basalt Distillery, the rising Irish spirits house inspired by the raw geology of the
UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, has achieved a landmark moment in its journey. The
brand’s flagship Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin (42.1%) has been awarded the coveted 3
Stars in the prestigious Great Taste Awards 2025, earning a Golden Fork nomination,
while the bolder Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin (50.1%) and Basalt Volcanic Rock Vodka
each received 2 Stars.
This achievement coincides with another milestone: Basalt’s nationwide launch in
Harvey Nichols stores, where its collection — including the Basalt Serve Set, a curated
gifting experience featuring Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin — is now available.
Exceptional Spirits, Forged by Nature
Founded by 28-year-old chemical engineers Martha Garbe and James Richardson,
Basalt Distillery was born from a vision to create ultra-premium spirits with a true
sense of place. Every drop is distilled with ultra-pure water drawn from a 600ft-deep
borehole, naturally filtered through the ancient basalt rock that forms the Giant’s

Causeway. This geological provenance, combined with scientific precision and small-
batch craftsmanship, defines the character and depth of Basalt’s spirits.

The recognition from the Guild of Fine Food’s Great Taste Awards — widely regarded
as the benchmark for excellence in food and drink — marks Basalt as one of the
standout spirits producers to watch. Judges described the flagship 3-Star Basalt
Volcanic Rock Gin (42.1%) as:
“A gin with a truly bracing, bright and complex aroma… thrillingly briny and alive,
evoking the air on the shore with a storm rolling in. Layers of salinity, pepper spice,
and citrus evolve in waves, with a soft creaminess and umami depth that lingers.
Fascinating, distinctive, and irresistible — pure alchemy.”

The 2-Star Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin (50.1%) was praised as:
“serious and sophisticated… powerfully aromatic yet balanced, with kombu, citrus, and
spice delivering a bracing, complex experience, softening beautifully with ice or tonic.”
Meanwhile, the 2-Star Basalt Volcanic Rock Vodka was recognised for its clarity,
purity, and elegance, with judges noting:
“remarkable smoothness and precision, a rich mouthfeel, and hints of macadamia and
cereal — a testament to meticulous craft.”
Rapid Momentum in 2025 for Basalt Distillery
Since its launch in 2022, Basalt Distillery has rapidly established itself as one of the
most exciting new names in the ultra-premium spirits market. Its achievements in 2025
now include:
3 Stars & Golden Fork nomination – Great Taste Awards 2025
2-Star Great Taste Award for Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin (50.1%) and Basalt Voclanic
Rock Vodka.
Gold – The Spirits Business Gin Masters 2025 (Ultra-Premium category)
Young Business Woman of the Year – Northern Ireland 2025 (Martha Garbe)
Young Business Leader of the Year – Workplace & Employment Awards 2025
(Martha Garbe & James Richardson)
Now stocked nationwide at Harvey Nichols (UK), alongside other high-end retailers
and travel retail partners including Marks & Spencer Ireland and Belfast
International Airport.
A Word from the Founders
“This year has been a turning point for us,” says co-founder Martha Garbe. “To receive
3 Stars and a Golden Fork nomination from the Great Taste Awards while seeing Basalt
on the shelves of Harvey Nichols feels surreal and deeply rewarding. These milestones
reflect what we care about most — authenticity, innovation, and a relentless focus on
quality. We’re proud to see our spirits standing alongside some of the most respected
names in the world.”

Where to Experience Basalt
Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin, Vodka, and the Basalt Serve Set are now available in all
Harvey Nichols stores nationwide, as well as select premium retailers, travel retail
locations, and at basaltdistillery.com.
For press enquiries, interviews, imagery, or samples, please contact:
Martha Garbe
Co-Founder
Email: martha@basalt-distillery.com
Phone: 07446878498
@basaltdistillery | #BasaltAtHarveyNichols

Patrons of Harvey Nichols, the iconic store in London’s plush Knightsbridge, now
have an opportunity to experience award-winning gin and vodka distilled close to the
famed Giant’s Causeway in Co Antrim.
Volcanic Rock Gin and Vodka from Basalt Distillery, a FoodNI member, in Bushmills
is now on the shelves of Harvey Nichols, rated the world’s leading luxury retailer, in
London and its other stores in Edinburgh and Dublin. Basalt Distillery was founded in
2022 by Martha Garbe and James Richardson, chemical engineering graduates from
Edinburgh’s Heriot Watt University.
The business breakthrough in London coincided with the innovation-led distillery’s
success in this year’s influential UK Great Taste Awards, winning seven stars,
including a coveted three stars and a Northern Ireland Golden Fork nomination for its
gin, and two-stars each for a gin and vodka. A Golden Fork is awarded to the best
local product in the awards.
The gin was praised by the expert judges as “serious and sophisticated… powerfully
aromatic yet balanced with kombu, citrus, and spice delivering a bracing, complex
experience, softening beautifully with ice or tonic”. The vodka was recognised for its
“clarity, purity, and elegance”.
Basalt Distillery has won widespread acclaim for its ultra-premium spirits, gaining
gold in The Spirits Business Gin Masters 2025; Young Business Woman of the Year
– Northern Ireland 2025 (Martha Garbe); and Young Business Leader of the Year
(James and Martha).
Martha is understandably jubilant at the host of prestigious awards. “This year has
been a turning point for us,” she says. “To receive three-stars and a Golden Fork
nomination from the Great Taste Awards while seeing Basalt on the shelves of
Harvey Nichols feels surreal and deeply rewarding.
“These milestones reflect what we care about most — authenticity, innovation, and a
relentless focus on quality. We’re proud to see our spirits standing alongside some of
the most respected names in the world,” adds Martha.

FoodNI member DELI LITES, a food manufacturer based in Warrenpoint, Co Down, has announced a significant investment in its sandwich production and ‘heat-to-eat’ range.
The brand plans to put £12.8m towards automating production and broadening its product range – backed by business development agency Invest NI through its Agri-Food Investment Initiative.
A further £6m investment from the company will help upskill its existing workforce and create 130 jobs.
Caoimhe Archibald, economy minister for Northern Ireland, said: “The north’s food and drink processing sector is a true local success story, with latest statistics showing that it generates £6.5bn in sales and supports more than 25,500 jobs across our towns and countryside.
“This investment will unlock significant growth opportunities for DELI LITES in this exciting sector.
“Increased capacity and new automated equipment will boost productivity and enable it to expand its fresh and frozen ranges, grow its sales in Britain and Ireland, and open up additional export markets.
“With 78 per cent of our food and drink sold outside the north, this industry showcases the quality, innovation and global appeal of what we produce right here at home.
“The creation of 130 new jobs in Warrenpoint, which will help leverage almost £10m in wages and salaries across the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area by 2027, is also good news as we work to deliver a more regionally balanced economy.”
Established in 1998 by husband-and-wife Brian and Jackie Reid, DELI LITES supplies fresh gourmet sandwiches and food-to-go products to convenience stores, supermarkets, major coffee chains and international airlines.
Customers include Applegreen, Costa Coffee, Aer Lingus and American Airlines.
Brian Reid, chief executive at DELI LITES, said: “Since our beginnings over 30 years ago, we are now an all-Ireland business with export sales growing in international markets.
“We’ve always been a trailblazer in our sector, shown when we became the first sandwich maker in the UK and Ireland to achieve B Corp certification.”
As well as expanding its storage and production process, DELI LITES will continue to invest in research and development to enhance its product range for international markets.
Jackie Reid, co-founder and chief scientific officer at DELI LITES, said: “Bringing even more products to our snacking and convenience range and investing in production and automation will significantly increase our capacity and customer reach.
“We’re delighted to be growing our team in Warrenpoint to bring further expertise into the business and help us achieve our vision to transform how the world experiences food on the move.”
DELI LITES’ investment will increase its capabilities and reduce food waste by up to 50 per cent.
Invest NI’s Agri-Food Investment Initiative is a £46m scheme to help local agri-food and drink processors improve their competitiveness and productivity.
Gráinne Moody, director of food and drink at Invest NI, added: “This significant project builds on our previous support for DELI LITES to develop its product range for the European market.
“Its success has positioned the company to become a key supplier for the global airlines sector.
“This new project will increase innovation and boost productivity by transforming labour-intensive processes and increasing digitalisation.
“Our overseas trade teams are also working with DELI LITES to explore new international markets as it grows.”
The new jobs include a range of highly skilled positions, ten of which are management positions – including a new chief commercial officer.
The Agri-Food Investment Initiative is open to applications from all eligible agri-food and drink processors in Northern Ireland to access support towards productivity improvements.

2 new flavours from Food NI member Poco Picante to bring the range to 4!

Habanero Chilli Salsa Mango – Inspired by the fiery flavours of Merida, on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula where ripe Mango meets the raw heat of the mighty Habanero Chilli – this one hits different.

Jalapeño Chilli Salsa Verde – Inspired by the bold flavours of Puebla, in Central Mexico where Jalapeños meet zesty lime and smoky fire — this salsa verde delivers a herby punch you won’t forget.

For more information on our Food NI member Poco Picante, visit: https://pocopicante.co.uk/

Boatyard Distillery in Enniskillen, home of a unique double gin and vodka, multi-
award-winning products was in New Orleans last week at the annual Tales of
the Cocktail global cocktail festival, a colourful occasion that Boatyard has long
been keen be a part of.
A FoodNI member, the Fermanagh distillery took part in the colourful event in
the historic city dubbed ‘The Big Easy’ as part of an ongoing drive to accelerate
sales in the US as the industry in Europe and Asia faces the threat of increased
tariffs from the Trump administration.
Boatyard is already experiencing high levels of sales and recognition in the US
for its products especially among cocktail mixologists in high-end bars.
Earlier in the year, the distillery projected its US sales to soar by 700 percent,
following a strategic partnership with New York’s influential and highly regarded
Banfi Vintners in the US. Through the partnership, the distillery’s flagship
product, Boatyard Double Gin, was initially launched in 13 US states ahead
planned full nationwide distribution soon.
Boatyard said the collaboration could increase global sales by 150 percent by
the end of 2025. Cristina Mariani-May, third-generation family proprietor and
chief executive of Banfi hailed Boatyard as having “created something truly
special, and we have been particularly impressed by its early performance in
the US market.
During the industry event in New Orleans, the distillery aimed to build on its
success in the UK with bartenders in top London bars who named Boatyard gin
as the best.
Spirits from the small distillery, founded by industry veteran Joe McGirr in 2016,
now the chairman of the enterprise, were boosted significantly by recognition for
their superb quality and outstanding taste in the inaugural Class Report by the
influential Bar Magazine
In addition to the remarkable endorsement by leading bartenders, Boatyard
Distillery was also listed the number seven best-selling gin, and number eight
best-selling vodka in the UK. Boatyard is clearly holding its own among the
world’s most recognised global players in both top selling spirits.
Reporting on both the bartenders’ favourites as well as the best-selling brands,
the Class Report brings the UK bar industry insight into what brands the best

bars in the UK are using and their buying and selling habits. Brands do not
enter these awards but are identified by consumer behaviour and the
bartenders themselves as the brands that really excite them.
The Fermanagh distillery is Northern Ireland’s leading supplier of gin for
cocktails in top London hotels. The company, which is based on the shores of
picturesque Lough Erne in a converted boathouse, is also close to the
introduction of a single malt Irish whiskey from local grain.
The company, in addition, has developed an impressive information centre and
provides a programme of tours. It has also won widespread acclaim for its
commitment to preserving the environmental sustainability, particularly through
its “Better Boatyard” initiative and B Corp certification.
The progressive distillery has implemented various practices to reduce waste,
reuse materials, and minimise its environmental impact, earning accolades such
as the “Sustainable Spirits Product of the Year” award. 
Boatyard was the first distillery in Ireland to achieve B Corp certification,
demonstrating its commitment to high standards of verified performance,
accountability, and transparency in areas like employee benefits, charitable
giving, supply chain, and input materials. 

Boatyard managing director Declan McGurk says: “Now with our product
available in Louisiana we took part in an exciting initiative called the Irish House
alongside our friends at bar1661 from Dublin.
“The Irish House was the largest single event gathering of Irish bars and Irish
spirit brands, running at the world’s largest cocktail and spirits festival. A first of
its kind, it showcased the best of Irish drinks, hospitality and culture all under
one roof on a unique world stage.
“Located in the heart of the French Quarter, just steps away from the Tales of
the Cocktail Conference centre, the Irish House took place at an authentic New
Orleans bar,” adds Declan. “We were delighted to be a part of such an
important opportunity for Boatyard and the wider industry in Ireland.”
A longstanding Boatyard customer, bar1661 is ranked among Dublin’s best
bars and specialises in innovative cocktails.
Tales of the Cocktail is an annual week-long festival in New Orleans celebrating
the cocktail and spirits industry. The festival this year took place from July 20-
25, 2025, with this year’s theme being “Evolve,” focusing on the ongoing
transformation of the cocktail world. It featured educational seminars, tastings,
networking opportunities, and special events for both industry professionals and
cocktail enthusiasts. 
The annual Tales of the Cocktail is deeply rooted in New Orleans’ cocktail
culture, with events highlighting the city’s unique contributions.

FoodNI member, Rademon Estate Distillery, home of Shortcross gin and Irish
whiskey, has received numerous awards, including multiple accolades for both
their gin and whiskey products. Notably, Shortcross Gin has won a Master at
the Gin Masters and a number of gold and silver medals.
The Shortcross Irish Whiskey has been recognised as Ireland’s Best New Irish
Whiskey in 2021. Furthermore, the distillery’s Distiller’s Duo whiskey blend has
also won gold at the Irish Whiskey Awards. 
The family-owned and run enterprise, which features a state-of-the-art distillery
and visitor complex, is now among the most ‘decorated’ brands in the UK and
Ireland. It’s also among the most innovative in terms of its output of gins,
whiskeys and poitin.
The company recently won three major awards for its gins from The Spirit
Business publication which celebrates excellence in the spirits industry,
recognising outstanding brands, products and individuals across various
categories. The prestigious awards were judged by the editorial team and a
panel of independent experts drawn from the international industry.
David Boyd-Armstrong, who founded the business with wife Fiona, now-the
managing director, in 2012 to create a new type of gin, is justifiably proud of the
company’s amazing achievements in the years following the launch. Back then,
there was just one distillery here; Old Bushmills in Co Antrim.
Echlinville at Kircubbin gained a licence to distil spirits the following year and
has also gone on to achieve international acclaim especially with its Dunville’s
range of premium Irish whiskeys and Weaver’s gin.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the achievements of Shortcross:

Gin Awards:
 Master (Ultra Premium Gin category): Shortcross Gin at the Global Gin
Masters
 Gold: Shortcross Citrus Drizzle Gin
 Silver: Shortcross Wild Clover and Casked Aged Gin
 Gold and Silver: Shortcross Citrus Drizzle Gin 
Whiskey Awards:
 Best New Irish Whiskey 2021: Inaugural release of Shortcross Irish
Whiskey 
Gold (Peated Whiskey category): Shortcross 5 year old Peated Single Malt Irish
Whiskey at the Irish Whiskey Awards 
Gold: Shortcross Distiller’s Duo Irish Whiskey 
Overall Winner (Blended Irish Whiskey category): Shortcross Distiller’s Duo
Irish Whiskey 
92 Points: Shortcross Distiller’s Duo awarded 92 points by VinePair 
Other Notable Mentions:
 Rademon Estate Distillery was shortlisted for the Icons of Whiskey
Ireland 2019 
The distillery received a San Francisco Seal of Approval 
Shortcross Gin has been recognised as ‘Ireland’s Most Awarded Gin’
The distillery was featured in VinePair’s “15 Best Irish Whiskeys for 2025” with
their Distiller’s Duo. 
The awards demonstrate Rademon Estate Distillery’s commitment to quality
and innovation in both gin and whiskey production, establishing the distillery as
a prominent name in the Irish spirits industry. 
Awarded Ireland’s Best New Irish Whiskey 2021 in the Irish Whiskey Awards.
Shortcross Gin: Trio of awards at the global gin masters for Rademon Estate
Distillery
David is “quietly chuffed” that Shortcross Gin has been awarded the highly
coveted ‘Master’ accolade in the Ultra Premium Gin category.
The most recent awards for Rademon Estate Distillery from The Spirit Business
publication are two Gold Medals and a Master Medal for its Shortcross Citrus
Drizzle Gin, Shortcross Gin and Shortcross Cask Aged Gin respectively.
Rademon also won a further Gold medal with its new Shortcross 5 year old
Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey, which won Gold in the Peated Whiskey
category at the 2024 year Irish Whiskey Awards.

Rademon, in addition, is the first distillery in Northern Ireland to produce peated
Irish whiskey in over two generations, another demonstration of its strong focus
on innovation.
David is also chairman of Drinks Ireland in Dublin, the industry leading body.
His role is to guide the spirits category in Ireland towards continued success
emphasising the quality of Irish spirits on a global scale
Drinks Ireland Spirits represents the spirits industry across Ireland on policy
advocacy, taxation, trade and market developments, and the ongoing
international protection of Ireland’s Geographic Indicators (GIs). 
David continues: “The spirits industry across the island of Ireland has a vibrant
offering and is central to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of the island.
Domestic sales and exports have steadily risen after a challenging few years.
“It is wonderful to see the growing awareness and appreciation both at home
and abroad of unmatched quality of Irish spirits, especially our protected
Geographic Indication (GI) spirits: Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream and Poitín,” he
adds.
The Co Down company is also making an important contribution to tourism in
Ireland through its whiskey and gin tours using its superb and purpose-built
Visitor Information Centre on the picturesque distillery outside the village of
Crossgar.