North East drinks startup sees steady growth following six figure investment

A North East drinks startup has announced that it has seen customers from across the UK following a six figure investment.

Taste Club Limited, which sells gin, rum and vodka boxes, was launched during the country’s lockdown as consumer’s habits became increasingly home based.

The company invested in a small premises in County Durham, but has confirmed that it will be looking for larger offices as it grows.

Valda Goodfellow, co-founder of Taste Club, commented: “We already had the plans to launch late summer but when Covid-19 hit it seemed like the perfect opportunity to hit the B2C market.

“It wasn’t a high-risk investment, the shift in consumer behavior towards online shopping, particularly for high quality food and drink, was on the rise and this has continued even after lockdown restrictions have been relaxed.

“We’ve had sales from the North East, Wales, London, Manchester – all over the UK.

“A Taste Club box contains all of the elements to create happy memories, from great nights in, to family celebrations.

“We are insanely passionate about food and drink and working with quality brands. Having lived and worked in the North East our whole life, Paul and I felt it was hugely important that we invested in our local economy to help some of our region’s younger entrepreneurs during this time.

“We have successfully built up and sold a number of businesses in our region – and are financially secure, so we wanted to help others not only survive but grow – as the future of the North East is in their hands.”

Georga Spottiswood, of Spotty Media Limited, is also a co-founder of the company, and added: “Inside each box is a full bottle of carefully selected spirit. Nothing gets past our lips, we taste test everything and it is quality first and foremost.

“With that route to market gone for the producers, it was imperative that we launched sooner than planned.

“The business launched beginning of April and sales have continued to grow since. There has not been any slow down.

“What Taste Club has managed to tap into is ‘creating memories’ with friends and family at home.”

Valda said: “Our aim is to inspire the nation’s palates and engage them with the best craft producers out there. To help them have a great night in at home and to help them discover amazing food and drink.”