Martina Burns - Richmount Cordial Company
We planted 900 elder trees in 2012 and Richmount Cordial Company was formed in 2013. We started pro
duction initially in an adjacent granny flat, and we began trading in 2014. We moved into a purpose built production unit in 2015. We planted another 1200 elder trees in 2017 to meet growing demand.
Our first and main product is Elderflower Cordial, and following its success, we started producing Elderberry Cordial, for the winter market. Demand followed for a Sparkling Elderflower drink which we now produce in 2 sizes. Our products are premium and targeted at the adult market as an alternative to alcohol. Our stockists are mainly independent retailers, cafes and restaurants. We also sell to other artisan producers for inclusion in ice-cream, cider, jams, etc. We have started exporting to Japan in 2020 and that is going very well for us. We also do some contract bottling for other small producers.
Down through the years, our company and our products have won many awards:
• Bank of Ireland Start-Up award
• Food Writers’ Guild award
• Longford LEO Enterprise Award
• Blás na hEireann
• McKenna Guides Best in Ireland 2021
We employ 8 to 10 local, seasonal workers to harvest the elderflowers and help with bottling and labelling. We feel its important to support our local community by employing local students.
We are verified members of Bord Bia’s Origin Green sustainability programme since 2018. We commit to sustainability targets and these are independently examined. Our targets include energy efficiency, reduction in the use of plastic, and sourcing our ingredients locally.
