Glasgow businessman Paul Crawford launched the creamy drink as a sustainable, plant based alternative alcoholic beverage, inspired by the traditional Spanish beverage Leche de Pantera back in 2015. Over the last 12 months, Panther M*lk has experienced phenomenal growth, increasing its on- and off-trade distribution points from 100 to 600.

Mr Crawford has credited support from the Scottish EDGE competition as helping to accelerate its trajectory after being crowned a winner in late 2022. Receiving a £75,000 funding and advisory services package including support from competition partner Johnston Carmichael, Mr Crawford is confident opportunities overseas will be realised in 2025.

Speaking ahead of Scottish EDGE final on 28 November, Mr Crawford said: “The last two years have been transformational for Panther M*lk and that is set to grow in 2025 with new opportunities in overseas markets, led by a team of well-respected figures from across Scotland’s food and drink industry.

“Starting a business is hugely exciting but equally important to success is working collaboratively with the existing business community and learning from industry experts. We have found this in abundance via Scottish EDGE, which has subsequently been fundamental to our continued growth.

“Even before the competition itself, Johnston Carmichael offered a free pitching workshop, which helped me to sharpen my pitch and ensured that I had the best possible chance of securing funding. Johnston Carmichael’s continued support has helped us to navigate Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) relief, which has made us a more attractive option for investors and allowed us to take on two full-time employees, which is really exciting.”

As Panther M*lk prepares to broaden its horizons, the company plans to enter additional major high street retailers over the next 12 months.

Mr Crawford continued: “The landscape of the drinks industry has evolved significantly since we started.

“Consumers are more health-conscious and environmentally aware, and Panther M*lk sits comfortably within these trends as a lower ABV, plant-based option. Entrepreneurs must embrace feedback, welcome change and consistently evolve their brand in response to these changing consumer habits.”

Johnston Carmichael has been a sponsor of Scottish EDGE for a decade. In that time, the firm has supported more than 400 businesses with pitch practise sessions and continues to work with 40 of the successful businesses.

Adam Hardie, partner and Head of Food and Drink at Johnston Carmichael, helps to judge EDGE competitors’ pitches, and supports winners with business advice. 

Mr Hardie said: “Panther M*lk is a dynamic business on a strong growth trajectory that we are proud to have played a small role in helping them to achieve.

“Scottish EDGE is instrumental in fostering Scotland’s start-up sector, with many of the businesses supported having gone on to achieve global success. I wish this year’s cohort the best of luck ahead of the final in November.”