According to company founder and CEO Leigh McFarlane, the move builds on her successful relationship, established two years ago, with the major grocery retailer. More than this, though, she says the venture has been a virtuous marriage of local craftsmanship and business savvy.

“Since then, talented people at the Village woodworking shop have used their incredible skill to create the beautiful red displays that promote our wares in stores. It is a joy to work with creative folks and I am incredibly grateful for their care in making what is now such a key part of our brand. Sherbrooke Village is truly a partner in our soap story.”

In a press release, Flemming says: “We aim to build increased capacity for cultural and economic development, while fostering the vibrancy of rural communities. With a special focus on the Eastern Shore, we are very pleased to have developed this partnership with The Soap Company of Nova Scotia.”

McFarlane says Village woodworkers have been instrumental in everything from mold to display production. “I designed the first molds of high-density polyethylene and had the plates cut in Halifax. I thought I could do the routering myself to make grooves for them fit together. Wrong! That was far beyond my capabilities and I turned to the woodworking shop for help. They have been an increasingly important part of the team since then.”

She adds: “By 2018 we needed a store display that would be suitable for use in mass retail. This led to the current display that is 19.5 inches wide, 12 inches deep and 66 inches high topped by an 18-inch-high framed sign. This seven-shelf display provides plenty of room to effectively display the 34 products currently listed at Sobeys.”