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UK gin exports rise 30% in first quarter

Gin exports from the UK were worth £155 million (US$197m) in the first three months of 2019, marking a 30% increase compared to the same period last year.

Total UK gin exports in 2018 were worth more than double those of 2010

According to figures released by the Department for International Trade, Q1 2019 was the “biggest opening quarter” for gin in recent history.

The most popular destinations for British gin in the first three months of 2019 were the US, Spain and Germany, which imported £50m (US$63m), £19m (US$24m) and £10m (US$12m) respectively.

Liam Fox MP, international trade secretary, said: “UK drinks exports continue to grow from strength to strength and, for the first time, the UK has an international economic department – the Department for International Trade – helping British business succeed abroad in ways that never happened before, so I urge more businesses to take the first steps to start exporting.”

In 2018, British gin exports increased by 15% and were worth £613m (US$781m). The industry now boasts more than double 2010’s exports of £288m (US$367m).

Hertfordshire-based Jam Jar Gin has benefited from the category’s increased popularity, and now markets its products in countries including Belgium and Japan.

Dan and Faye Thwaites, owners of Jam Jar Gin, said: “We’re delighted that exports of British gin continue to grow and are well received across the world.

“We are reaping the benefits of this increased international demand with sales of our premium brands, including our luxurious Morus LXIV gin. This £4,000 (US$5,100) per bottle gin is distilled from the leaves of a single, ancient Mulberry tree and takes more than two years of careful work to produce a quintessentially British product.

“We look forward to opening up in new markets and developing our brand further afield so that more people can enjoy our award-winning products.”

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