Export boost for mother’s ruin

Posted on 12 Aug 2015 by Victoria Fitzgerald

Gin exports have increased by over a third since 2010.

Levels rose to almost £400m last year, spurring Government plans for the production of gin to compete with the whisky industry – which contributed £4bn to the UK economy last year.

Environment secretary Liz Truss commented: “This is fertile ground with enormous opportunities…There is absolutely no reason why our gin trade can’t be as successful as whisky.”

A true Scotch whisky must be matured in oak casks. Most of the oak is now reclaimed or comes from the US
UK gin exports could seriously rival the £4bn a year whisky industry.

In March, it was announced in the Budget that there would be a 2% decrease in gin duty. The Government has also been serving the beverage at foreign embassies to attract new markets.

Brazil, India and other parts of Asia are considered target markets for export growth.

A representative in China has been given the responsibility of promoting gin and other specialty food trade in the country.

The UK already exports the alcohol to Germany, Spain, the US and Canada.

Since 2010, more than 70 new distilleries have opened in the UK and the number of gin brands has doubled during the same period.

Almost three-quarters of the spirit is produced in Scotland, but traditionally gin was brewed in London.

Wine and Spirit Trade Association boss Mike Beales commented: “This is an extremely exciting time for all the UK gin industry.

“We have seen an explosion in British gin production with the latest figures showing that an astounding 56 distilleries have sprung up in just two years.

“British gin has a strong, vibrant history and its renaissance continues to go from strength to strength.”