The year started off at Perthshire Preserves with wild wet January and February which meant selling out of our van both at Perth Farmers Market and a few days later at Stockbridge Market. We actually did quite well on these stormy days as customers decided to buy from us in spite of the inclement weather. In March we entered the World Marmalade Competition and won a Gold Medal for our Hibiki (Japanese Whisky) Marmalade and a Silver Medal for Bisma who works for us excellent Seville and Rosemary Marmalade. The Seville and Rosemary we have found is delicious served as an accompaniment to your Sunday Roast Lamb or a Mutton chop during the week.
The Hibiki came about as the 2019 Marmalade Awards held at Dalemain House was dominated by the Japanese with many ladies dressed in traditional costume picking up their prizes. We had won a Gold Medal in previous years with our Seville Orange and Deanston Malt Whisky Marmalade but though it would be interesting to use an expensive Japanese Whisky in 2020. Our plan worked and we took Gold rather unexpectedly. The Hibiki Marmalade makes a wonderful present for the Whisky lover in your family or use to top Goats Cheese for an interesting Dinner party starter.
Now as Spring approaches we are having to face this dreadful Virus Covid 19. It has affected our business in as far as all our Farmers Markets have all been cancelled as has most of our wholesale business. Including the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh which has been boarded up until further notice.
A shop just outside Stirling based on Eggilicious’ farm has been a God send for us as they are getting busier and busier and sell our homemade Chutneys and Marmalades. A new business in Bridge of Allen opens on the first week of April called The House of Mouse, a cheese emporium also selling our jellies and chutneys. At this time of year we made an outstanding Wild Garlic Jelly which is delicious with a traditional Pork Pie or with a soft Scottish Cheese. When the Gorse starts to bloom in Spring we will make our fragrant Gorse and Apple Jelly which is also a firm favourite with our customers.
We also are part of a local hub called NeighbourFood which is part of a collection scheme in both Stirling and Balfron. This scheme has proved extremely popular during these days when people are depending on food being delivered to them directly. We also have a growing online business which is going from strength to strength.
We hope the above information is useful to you and we will be in touch again soon.