Taranaki distillery BeGin Distilling Ltd has received a loan from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) in order to expand its operations.
BeGin, which is based in New Plymouth and produces Juno Gin, is receiving an $800,000 loan for the expansion as part of the government’s PGF initiative to help recipients expand and create new jobs in their regions, in line with the objectives of the government’s COVID-19 economic response.
“The distillery is a great success story and this loan will help it expand and increase production to meet the growing demand for its products, both here and in overseas markets,” said Regional Economic Development Minister, Shane Jones.
The expansion will create new distillery jobs and offer local farmers new opportunities to grow key ingredients for the gin, such as juniper and orris root.
“Our plan is to expand at our current location, with the removal of two older tin buildings followed by the build of a bottling hall, increased warehousing, wheelchair access and facilities, the addition of two offices and a reception area and tasting room better suited to the 100 plus visitors a week that the distillery currently hosts,” says BeGin co-founder, Jo James.
“With this growth, BeGin Distilling will be better placed to recruit and employ up to five team members, will provide an all-weather opportunity to add to Taranaki’s already exceptional tourist drawcards and will provide the opportunity to meet customer demand, which it has currently had to turn down due to capacity restraints.
“New Zealand gin is really hot property, and rightfully so. Such exciting times!” she says.
BeGin Distilling Ltd, founded by Jo and her husband Dave James, launched its first gin in 2017 and now the Juno range is up to almost 20.
In September, The Reefton Distilling Co received a $928,000 PGF loan to relocate and fit-out its new distillery.
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