The gin market has seen a significant boost over the past couple of years and the popularity of the drink continues to grow. The spirit broke the £1bn barrier six months earlier than predicted according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA).
A WTSA market report today revealed that £601m worth of gin was sold in the on-trade in the last year. £149m of the figure was sold in the last 12 weeks.
“The gin revolution shows no sign of slowing and consumers are enjoying the celebrated juniper based spirit in all sorts of creative ways,” said WTSA chief executive Miles Beale. “We were delighted to see a gin and tonic drizzle cake making an appearance in the latest series of the Great British Bake Off.”
As well as cakes, the nation’s love of all things gin has led to the creation of products such as G&T popcorn, crisps and ice-cream. As well as a surge in the arrival of new gin brands, specific gin bars have popped up across the country offering a range of types and flavours for customers to enjoy.
“The WSTA’s latest Market Report shows how popular gin has become with UK consumers including those supporting British pubs. While bar owners and restauranteurs have seen the magic and versatility of the quintessentially British spirit, gin menus and bespoke glassware are now a regular feature in pubs too,” said Beale, via bighospitality.co.uk.
Last year 56 new gin distilleries were opened in the UK. According to HMRC, 28 new distilleries opened in England, six in Wales, 12 in Scotland and 10 in Northern Ireland.
Despite experiencing a 25% growth in volume sales in the last year, gin only accounts for around 11.5% of the UK spirits market by volume, falling behind the likes of Scotch whiskey and vodka.
