Angels' Share Glass' innovative creations are set to be sold across Central Europe in a new deal.
The firm has joined forces with German-based specialist importer A Wee Taste of Scotland who will distribute their handmade gifts throughout Germany, France, Austria and Switzerland.
A Wee Taste of Scotland is run by ex-pat Raymond Hackland and specialises in the sale of premium Scottish goods.
Mr Hackland contacted Angels’ Share Glass after being impressed by the firm’s products which include a signature line of unique glass angels filled with whisky.
He says: “We are extremely selective about the products we represent and this is the first non-food and drink item we have agreed to distribute.
“Angels’ Share Glass has produced a fantastic product range that demonstrates the very high quality we seek and is testament to real Scottish craftsmanship.
“These are beautiful luxury gifts items which fit in with our philosophy about enjoying life a little bit more and we are undoubtedly delighted to be working with Angels' Share Glass.”
Raymond and his co-founder Franziska Schneider believe the glass gifts will prove popular with specialist retailers, whisky connoisseurs and whisky clubs as well as premium bars and hotels throughout Europe.
He adds: “The Angels’ Share Glass range has some very special gift items indeed and we are over the moon to have found the perfect products to complement our expanding portfolio.”
Angels’ Share Glass Managing Director Karen Somerville says: “We’re delighted to be joining forces with A Wee Taste of Scotland to sell our unique glass gifts in Europe.
“The partnership is a perfect fit because – like us – A Wee Taste of Scotland specialises exclusively in high quality Scottish products and is enthusiastic about the goods it sells.
“Moving into the European market in this way is another major step forward for Angels’ Share Glass which cements our brand image and awareness.
“We’re really excited about this new venture and are looking forward to finding out what the people of Central Europe think about our gifts.”
Bridge of Allan-based Angels’ Share Glass creates beautiful glassware made by hand using traditional methods.
The firm was founded by Mrs Somerville and her father, renowned Master Glassblower Tom Young, three years ago and specialises in unusual gifts for whisky lovers.
The company recently launched a Crowdfunding appeal in a bid to raise £25,000 to create a state-of-the-art glassblowing studio.
The move would allow the company to increase production and train a new generation of glassmakers to continue its glassmaking legacy.
So far, 20% of the total has been raised in a week and Mrs Somerville is delighted with the response.
She says: “The reaction to our campaign has been amazing and we are grateful to all those who have helped us so far.
“We still have some way to go to meet our £25,000 target but we are on track.
“We’re hoping that in the coming weeks more people will be able to donate to help us achieve our dream and be a part of the next generation of Angels' Share Glass
The firm’s ambitious crowdfunding campaign kicked off on Indiegogo on March 1 and runs until the end of April.
Anyone who can help support the New Studio can do so via http://igg.me/at/angelsstudio
More information about the bid – plus a video showing Tom and glassmaking apprentice Bee Hardy at work in their current studio – can be found on the firm’s website – www.angelsshareglass.com
