The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has today joined forces with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and four leading drinks suppliers to celebrate the growing export success of British gin. From its European inspiration in the 17th century, gin has been a regular fixture for the discerning British drinker. More recently the UK's taste for gin has reached new heights. Now the rest of Europe is following suit, with growth in Spain, Germany, France, Italy and Belgium helping to fuel a wave of new micro-distilleries throughout the UK, and an explosion of new premium products. The event, held at the British Residence in Brussels, sees major suppliers Diageo, Pernod-Ricard, William Grant & Sons and Berry Bros. & Rudd promoting the quality and diversity on offer from the industry at a gin tasting reception with MEPs, European Commission officials, retailers, distributors and European industry experts in attendance. UK sales of premium British gin have grown by 48.7% in the last two years and research by the WSTA shows significant export potential, with demand rising sharply in all five of the leading international markets. Gin made in the UK now accounts for almost 140 million bottles[1] of UK exports - sufficient to stretch around the world more than once. The British gin industry has grown in value by 11.3% in the last year alone and an impressive 19.8% over the past two years[2]. Global output is forecast to grow by 13 million litres a year – with much of this growth to be met by British gins. In addition to this growth in demand for gin, demand for premium gins is also on the rise with sales of premium British gin having grown by 48.7% in the UK in the last two years and British gin producers are ready to take advantage.
