UK gin sales to overtake blended Scotch by 2020

Gin sales are set to overtake blended Scotch whisky sales in the UK by 2020, according to new data from Euromonitor.

Blended Scotch values are expected to drop to £1.17bn, while gin is set to hit £1.37bn by 2020

Last year blended Scotch whisky sales in the UK hit £1.28 billion, while gin reached £1.07bn – but the analyst predicts that the scales are set to tip.

Within four years, blended Scotch values are expected to drop to £1.17bn, while gin is set to hit £1.37bn.

Growth in the sector over recent years is attributed to a “heady mix” of micro-distilleries, geographic expansion, innovation and experimentation with botanicals and premiumisation.

Jeremy Cunnington, senior analyst at Euromonitor International, said: “Blended Scotch continues to suffer from volume decline thanks to an old fashioned and hence low rent image compounded by discounting.

“Gin was suffering a similar fate, but thanks to the development of the super-premium category led by William Grant’s Hendrick’s brand and the rises of the craft movement and cocktail culture, has helped not only drive volume growth but also premiumise the category.”