JUST over a year after launching from her home kitchen in Limekilns, Jen Montgomery has turned her passion for bold Thai flavours into one of Fife’s most exciting emerging food businesses. Founded in November 2024, Chilli Bird produces small‑batch Thai chilli oil using locally sourced ingredients, and demand has soared from day one.
JUST over a year after launching from her home kitchen in Limekilns, Jen Montgomery has turned her passion for bold Thai flavours into one of Fife’s most exciting emerging food businesses. Founded in November 2024, Chilli Bird produces small‑batch Thai chilli oil using locally sourced ingredients, and demand has soared from day one. Every batch has sold out, her Instagram following has grown beyond 4,500, and her oils are now stocked in local restaurants and shops, where chefs are incorporating them directly into their menus.
Jen’s first year has been packed with momentum. She has showcased her products at markets and food events across Scotland and has twice been invited to the Scottish Food Show. She plans to attend once she secures SALSA, the safe and local supplier approval accreditation, which she hopes to achieve this year. With production now at full capacity at home, she is exploring outsourcing options and even considering a new café concept within a local gym. Business Gateway Fife has played a key role in her journey. Jen received a Start‑up grant, funded by the UK government through the Shared Prosperity Fund, attended webinars, and worked closely with specialist advisers. Her Business Adviser at Business Gateway Fife, Linsey Marshall said, “Jen’s drive, creativity and commitment to quality have been clear from the start. It’s been fantastic to support her as she grows Chilli Bird into a thriving local brand.”
Reflecting on her journey, Jen explained, “Chilli Bird was born from my desire to see a crispy chilli oil on the market with cleaner ingredients and Thai in flavour. My goal is to see the flavours of Thailand elevated and present in everyone’s home, just like they are in mine.”
With new premises on the horizon and production scaling up, Chilli Bird is poised for an exciting second year, one fiery jar at a time.
Whether thinking of starting a business or looking to grow or sustain an existing business, contact Business Gateway Fife on 01592 858333 for a variety of advice and support or visit www.bgateway.com/fife
