
The story so far
I would like to tell you how I started my new business making pink elderflower cordial under the name Glenkindie Pantry!
How did this all start - Just before lockdown in March 2020, our family of four boys moved up from Edinburgh to Strathdon in Aberdeenshire, where we found a small tree in our garden - which we later identified as a pink elderflower tree! I was unaware that a pink elderflower tree existed, and as I have previously made a lot of white elderflower cordial whilst living in Edinburgh for the family, I was keen to make a pink alternative.
The family loved what I had made and were pleased to drink it in the summer as it is very refreshing.
Having done some research on the pink elderflower plant, the real name for this is a Sambucus Nigra. There are two types of Elderflower tree with copper coloured leaves - the black lace with long thin leaves, and the black beauty with rounder leaves; they both have white blossom edged in pink, with a fragrant, floral aroma, attracting bees.
The pink elderflower is a cultured plant, grown almost exclusively in private gardens, and does not grow wild like its cousin, the white elderflower.
I source Pink Elderflower trees locally and have continually planted more trees to fulfil the high demand, and I now have a Pink Orchard with over 100 trees! They grow fast, and even though they will produce blossom this year, I will wait until next year before harvesting the blossom. There is a short time span of 6 weeks from mid June to end of July in which to pick the blossom, which luckily can be frozen to use later in the year!
Pink Elderflower Cordial is enjoyed by all ages, being diluted with either still or sparkling water to make a refreshing, colourful drink, as families are looking for a sopisticated alternative to drinking alcohol!
Pink Elderflower Cordial can make an exciting twist with spirits for adults to drink, or a mixer in cocktails, especially with gin, vodka or prosecco!
Pink Elderflower is healthy being full of anti oxidants, having antibacterial and antiviral properties, and may also help alleviate some allergies and boost the functioning of the immune system. Topically, elderflower might help reduce pain and swelling in joints due to some forms of arthritis and is used to stop bleeding.
I presently sell cordial at Farmer’s Markets, Farm Shops, Deli's and hotels. I have received very positive feedback from my customers, the smiles they greet me with is so rewarding!
Pink Elderflower Cordial can also be added to fruit salad or a fruit crumble, put on ice cream, made into an elderflower cake…….the ideas are endless, adding a delicious taste to your dishes!
Portsoy Marble Shop
Portsoy
AB45 2PB
Marshall’s Farm Shop
Kintore
AB51 0XD
Finzean Farm Shop
Banchory
AB31 6PA
Kellockbank Farm Shop
Insch
AB52 6SN
Silly Flatt
Inverbervie
DD10 0PF
Glenkindie Post Office
Alford
AB33 8RE
Farm and Fancy
Alford
AB33 8QA
Kildrummy Inn
Alford
AB33 8QS
Mart Farm Shop & Cafe
East Linton
EH40 3DN
Stockists
Markets 2025
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Stonehaven Market
Farmers Market on 5th April - TBC which location
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Aboyne Market
Aboyne Farmer’s Market from 10-2pm
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Bridge of Don Market
Farmer’s Market at Bridge of Don on 19th April
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Huntly Market
Farmer’s Market on 3rd May from 9-1pm
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Chapelton Market
Chapelton Farmer’s Market from 11-1pm on 18th May.
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Tullynessle Market
Tullynessle Market on 24th May from 10-1pm, at the Tullynessle Hall.
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Rotary Wheels Rally
Rotary Wheels Rally at Milton Park, Crathes,
on 24th & 25th May
from 10-4pm.
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Byres Market
Byres Farm Market near Fochabers from 10-2pm on 1st June
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Taste of Nairn
Glenkindie Pantry will be at the Taste of Nairn on Saturday 10th May, from 10-4pm.
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Banchory Market
Banchory Farmer’s Market from 9-1pm on 21st June
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Portsoy Boat Festival
Portsoy Boat Festival from 10-5pm on 28th and 29th June.
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Inverurie Market
Inverurie Farmer’s Market from 12-5pm on Sunday 29th June
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Strawberry Fair
Strawberry Fair at Insch on Sunday 8th June.
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Aboyne Market
Aboyne Farmers Market on 14th June from 10-2pm
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Scone Game Fair
Scone Game Fair on 4th, 5th & 6th of July, from 9am to 6pm
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Echt Show
Echt Show on Saturday 12th July, from 10-4pm
Contact Glenkindie Pantry
glenkindiepantry@gmail.com