Festive focus: Bdaily chats with Julia Medforth, founder of Raisthorpe Manor Fine Foods

It’s that time of year again. The Christmas rush. The manic high-street shopping. The alarming convenience of one-click online purchases. The nail-biting potential for drama at the staff party.

All that aside, December’s a time when we’re able to reflect on our achievements and failures of the last 12 months, and look ahead with a bit more foresight and wisdom than we had this time last year.

The Festive Focus series we’re running this month will look to highlight all that and more. Throughout each week in December, we’ll be sharing insights from key businesspeople in the North East, Yorkshire & Humber and London.

Today we have Julia Medforth, founder of Malton-based Raisthorpe Manor Fine Foods.

Can you introduce yourself and your business to our readers?

“This year Raisthorpe Manor Fine Foods is celebrating its 10th anniversary – quite an achievement for a company started on my kitchen table.

“Our success is built on the popularity of the homemade Raspberry Gin Liqueur I made for shoot guests from an old family recipe.

“From these modest beginnings, the business has grown and we’re still proud to produce on the farm at Wharram in the Yorkshire Wolds.

“Our small team produces award-winning gins, vodkas, whisky and ports. Two of our gin liqueurs are currently being used in the cocktail bars of Harvey Nichols nationwide.

“Products are available from independent delis and farmshops throughout the UK.

What was your company’s biggest achievement of the year?

“We were delighted to add another five Great Taste Awards to our trophy cabinet in 2018.

“We’re constantly innovating to keep our product competitive and an all-Yorkshire Tonic range is our latest innovation as we celebrate our 10th anniversary this year.

“Gin is the nation’s favourite spirit and Yorkshire has been at the forefront of this boom so our premium tonics mean that gin lovers can enjoy an all-Yorkshire G&T. The tonics are made at our farm by blending local water with a range of citrus and fruity botanicals.

“We’ve also introduced new ways for our customers to enjoy our products. New products this year have included our Stacker gift range and Tipsy Drinks Cards (a miniature in a card), as well as new spirit flavours from fruit harvested from hedgerows on the farm.

“We also opened our second shop this year, as well as a new pop up for the tonics at York Designer Outlet.”

How would you approach 2018 differently, given the chance?

“I’m not one for looking back! We’ve had a great 2018 and it’s been a special year reaching our 10th anniversary milestone.

“My son Ollie joined the business as sales and marketing director this year and together we are looking forward to further growing Raisthorpe, delivering high quality, tasty products for even more customers.”

What are your company’s plans for the new year?

“We never stand still and we’re already planning our flavours of 2019, as well as some interesting collaborations. We will be investing in the business to further cement our place in the drinks market.

“We may also look at the potential of opening additional outlets in the Yorkshire region. Stay tuned for more.”

What’s your favourite Christmas song?

“‘Gin-gle Bells’ or the hillbilly classic ‘Gin-gle Bell Rock’, for obvious reasons!”