James Bond helps boost British gin shipments

Some of Britain’s best-known exports, including the James Bond franchise and Downton Abbey, helped boost the nation’s gin shipments to the US by 7% last year.

The “British gin craze” in the US has boosted the nation’s gin exports

According to the WSTA Annual Spirits Report, £145 million worth of British gin was exported to the US last year, growing 7% by value and 3% by volume.

Since 2010, the amount of gin exported to the US has risen 20% by volume, with a 41% value increase.

Globally, British gin exports have risen by 37% over the past five years – with sales to 139 countries – to a total of £1.76bn.

The WSTA has attributed the growing popularity of British gin in the US to the success of some of the nation’s biggest television and music stars.

Miles Beale, chief executive of the WSTA, said: “British gin is proving it can excel where whisky has ploughed a furrow. “This is a hugely exciting time for everyone involved in the UK gin industry. Our latest statistics have shown that Americans are drinking more of this Great British spirit than ever before.

“Gin has a strong, vibrant British heritage which is now being enjoyed globally. The Bond effect has helped to secure its renaissance and ensure its future as a quintessentially British and internationally recognised spirit.”

The WSTA’s report revealed that Gordon’s is the best-selling UK gin brand, with Bombay Sapphire and Tanqueray coming in second and third respectively.

More than two thirds of gin distilled in the UK is shipped overseas, however the WSTA says the category and the broader spirits industry us stifled by the UK’s alcohol duty rates, which are the fourth highest in the EU.

Earlier this month, the WSTA launched the London Gin Trail as part of a bid to boost tourism opportunities.