Fife’s pioneering alcohol-free spirit brand, Feragaia , is moving to the next phase of its development, with an investment in excess of £1.5 million. This investment illustrates the increasing popularity of premium alcohol-free options and will support the establishment of a production hub in Fife, with the creation of new jobs.
Much of this investment is from one of Scotland’s greatest conservationists, Anders Povlsen, the businessman behind Wildland.
Feragaia was founded in 2019 by Jamie Wild and Bill Garnock, with a vision to challenge the negative preconceptions around alcohol-free drinks. Distilled, bottled, and blended here in Scotland, they created a truly authentic and confident alcohol-free spirit – Feragaia – which is now available on shelves in Harrods, in the bar at The Dorchester and online at Ocado.
Feragaia’s next stage of the development is to accelerate growth and fully realise domestic and international opportunities. Plans are in place to develop an innovative operations hub in Fife, from the botanical nursery to the distillery and the brand’s home. It will be Scotland’s first alcohol-free dedicated distillery.
Bill Garnock, Founder of Feragaia, told fbm Update:
“Ultimately, the investment in Feragaia will enable us to scale-up the business to meet the brand’s potential. All segments of the business - events, export, retail, hospitality - are performing well. We are exporting to Australia and Canada and are in advanced talks with buyers from Saudi Arabia and Denmark. We’re hopeful too, that initial conversations with American and Spanish buyers will develop into export orders early in the new year.
“Now is the time to invest in all areas of the business, to bring production to Fife, and to invest in operations including equipment, people and infrastructure. This will enable us to meet growing domestic and international demand.”
In the next six months, Feragaia wants to have its production hub set-up and operational in Fife. Currently, it employs five staff, and the hope is to double that figure, initially.
Bill added:
“The focus is on growth and expansion and the investment will support a combination of growing our revenues and operational capabilities. These are exciting times, both in new and existing international markets, and domestically where we will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Feragaia works closely with Fife Council’s Economic Development Team and Business Gateway Fife .
