FOOD & DRINK

GEOTHERMAL OPTIONS EXPLORED

Rodda’s is exploring the possibility of harnessing geothermal energy on its land.

The Scorrier-based dairy is working with mineral exploration company Cornish Lithium, to evaluate suitable sites on its land, where geothermal lithium production and geothermal heat could be investigated.

Cornish Lithium will be responsible for designing and drilling a small research borehole. Once completed, it will test the borehole to demonstrate the viability of a commercial scale geothermal lithium and heat project. It is envisaged that Rodda’s will be able to use the resulting renewable geothermal heat to potentially decarbonise production processes at its creamery, near Redruth.

MD, Nicholas Rodda, said: “As the UK moves towards a greener economy, there is an increasing need to explore alternative and more sustainable energy alternatives.

“We feel this exploration project could provide valuable information around using geothermal waters as a source of heat energy.”

St Ewe Free Range Eggs has secured a multi-million finance package from HSBC UK to support the build of a new distribution centre, allowing the business to significantly increase production.

NEW HOME FOR ST EWE over 40 years, with CEO Rebecca Tonks’ father starting the farming business in 1967. Its freerange eggs are currently sold in all major supermarkets in the south west but the funding will enable it to significantly increase production from one million to ten million eggs per week and expand nationally.

The company will use the finance to build out a new 50,000 sq ft packing and distribution centre, as well as a head office, increasing processing capacity by over 100%.

The family business has been farming for Tonks said: “It’s an extremely exciting time for St Ewe Free Range Eggs as we move into our brand-new offices and distribution centre, opening up opportunities to expand our business across the UK.”

SOLIDARITY IN THE PIPELINE

A Cornish craft brewery has teamed up with a Ukrainian counterpart to produce a new brew to raise money for the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

Jonny Cooper, founder and chief brewer at St Agnes-based Pipeline Brewing Co, has pledged his support for the people of Ukraine by working with PZDK and Zen Breweries in Ukraine.

“Illia Godina, owner of PDZK Brewery, first reached out in mid-March, asking for help,” explained Cooper. “He was calling for support of Ukraine by spreading a message of alliance throughout the international brewing community, during the awful events happening throughout their country. Beer has always brought people together and that is exactly what this beer will do – it will give people the chance to show their support for Ukraine and toast to a better future.”

The outcome was a pale ale named Solidarity. The label is designed using the colours of the Ukrainian flag and the beer was brewed in a small batch in St Agnes.

LICENSEE OF THE YEAR

Amanda and Nick Hemming of the Heron Inn in Malpas have been named the BII Licensee of the Year 2022.

This is the fourth time that a St Austell Brewery licensee has won the award in six years.

The couple picked up their winner’s trophy in front of a colleagues and industry friends at this year’s BII Summer Event, hosted at the HAC Royal Artillery Gardens.

“We are so proud of Nick and Amanda for this amazing achievement,” said Jim Sloan, head of St Austell tenanted pubs. “Four of our fantastic licensees have taken home this prestigious industry award in recent years and we could not be prouder.”

A BRITISH FIRST

Colwith Farm Distillery’s Aval Dor Original Vodka has become first British vodka ever to win a Platinum Medal at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).

The annual SFWSC competition has been setting the standard for excellence since 2000 and is the largest spirits judging in the world - receiving thousands of submissions from elite producers globally.

Founder, Steve Dustow, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be the first and only British vodka to win a Platinum Medal at the world’s most respected and influential spirits contest - it’s a significant milestone for us and one our whole team is immensely proud of.”