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Number of new distilleries in the UK jumps 50% in 2015

Published:  27 April, 2016

Forty-nine new distilleries came online in 2015 according to Nicholas Cook of the Gin Guild, which was based on HRMC's most recent data.

That was a 50% increase for 2015 compared to 2014. In total there are now 233 estimated distilleries across the UK, however Cook was quick to point out that not all the distilleries to launch are producing gin.

"It is an incredibly interesting time," said Cook. The figures are estimated because there are so many launching at the same time the Gin Guild has yet to visit all the sites. There are now 290 different gin brands being produced in the UK.

The increase in number of new distilleries opening is due primarily to the gin boom that continues to sweep across the UK. The UK gin industry saw sales rise to £896 million in 2015 and Cook estimates it will cross over £1 billion in sales this year.

The popularity of gin shows no sign of abating and if the UK follows the boom in craft distilleries that US has recently seen there is still a tremendous amount of growth ahead.

Cook said: "If you follow a comparison to what has happened in the US, which could be dangerous, but none the less, in 2003 there were 60 craft distilleries. Today there are 760 distilleries in the US, with 200 more currently being built. That is incredible growth in a relatively short period of time."

Cook pointed out that with so many distilleries coming on line many of the brands re looking for a hook.  "There is even a guy now launching a gin distillery at Gatwick Airport," said Cook.

The Gin Guild is set to host its third annual Ginposium on 12th May 2016. An array of topics from technical production seminars to the importance of marketing and bottle design of new products hitting the markets will be presented and discussed.  The event is open to both members and non-members.

For more information about Ginposium, please click on the the link.

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