A Bathurst-based distiller has joined a state government initiative to encourage Christmas shoppers across NSW to source gift ideas from regional businesses.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Stone Pine Distillery's Ian Glen has joined forces with more than 100 small business owners across regional NSW to list their products online as part of the state government's 'Buy Regional this Christmas' campaign.
READ ALSO: Stone Pine's rhubarb gin
The campaign is designed to provide much needed support for regional communities in the face of dire drought conditions.
Mr Glen said he was eager to get on board with the initiative in order to help showcase the unique products regional NSW has to offer.
"It didn't take a lot of convincing for me to get involved, as it's important for businesses in the bush to accept any opportunity to expand their customer base," he said.
"We've had a rise in orders over the last week or so, and the only thing I can think of that's influenced this is our involvement with the campaign."
While the effects of the drought haven't impacted his business as significantly as others, Mr Glen said there's always the lingering worry of what could happen should conditions worsen in the future.
"We sell a fair amount of our products interstate, which has helped strengthen our financial position, but I understand other regional businesses may not have access to the same levels of exposure," he said.
"However, the support we've received from Bathurst locals over the years has helped us prosper, which highlights the importance of buying local to support businesses in the community."
Stone Pine Distillery has been in operation for 11 years, and Mr Glen said the business is placing two new products in the spotlight this festive season.
"We've got our 2019 vintage Orange Blossom Gin ready to go, as well as a lighter take on our popular Dead Man's Drop spiced rum: Dead Man's Gold," he said.
For businesses interested in the campaign, visit the NSW government website.