A former accountant who has swapped balancing the books for low food miles is attending an exhibition for local food and drink businesses for the first time.
Katharine Wilding,(pictured) who developed and owns Angel Feathers, launched her first artisan fruit spirit a, 41% rhubarb gin, last year.
She will now be exhibiting her gins and vodkas at the Blas Lleol/Meet the Producer event at Theatr Clwyd, Mold, on March 10, which is being organised by the Llangollen and Dee Valley, and Clwydian Range food and drink groups with the support
of the Federation of Small Businesses and Flintshire County Council as part of Denbighshire County Council’s March for Business month.
Katharine, a former chartered accountant who ran her own firm for 15 years and lives just outside Ruthin on Moel Famau, produces her fruit-based spirits using seasonal, fresh, organic ingredients, grown on her small holding and hand made
in her kitchen.
She said: “For years I’ve shopped in local independent shops and love that I am now a part of this ethos of local produce, low food miles. My spirits are already stocked in a number of local independent outlets and public houses.
“After going to Blas Lleol last year with a friend and seeing all the lovely local produce, I’m thrilled to showcase my spirits this year. It is a fantastic opportunity to meet other producers and potential new stockists, all of whom appreciate
local artisan produce.”
Blas Lleol is now in its fourth year and offers food buyers from North Wales and beyond the chance to see what local food producers have to offer.
Katharine added: “No pesticides are used in my produce and if I need an ingredient that won’t grow in the Welsh hill climate, I source it from an organic, ethical supplier and follow the supply chain back to the source.
“I think people that buy artisan products expect you to go that extra mile and put the time an effort into what you make. All my infusions are made in small batches, so I can carefully hand select what goes in to making each batch. I love
that people enjoy my spirits so much and appreciate the seasonal nature of them.
“I’ve had such a fun time meeting lots of new people and listening to customers ideas – I’m just trying out a new flavour suggested by a customer. I look forward to meeting many more new customers at Blas Lleol.
“March for Business is a great way to help local businesses get training and grow and I’d recommend other traders in the county look at the events taking place across Denbighshire in March.”
Blas Lleol is a free business to business event and you can book via event Eventbrite.
The morning is an opportunity for tasting, meeting and talking with chef demonstrations and a programme of ‘huddles’ where producers and exhibitors will have the opportunity to present their product, message or story to visitors, other
producers and exhibitors.
Denbighshire County Council’s March for Business month offers a mix events, training and workshops for the county’s traders.
Events include social media training covering Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as workshops with Business Wales and the Development Bank of Wales.
If you would like to attend any of the events visit
www.denbighshire.gov.uk/
