Edinburgh Gin opens store at Edinburgh Airport

Ian Macleod Distillers has revealed the first airport boutique for its Edinburgh Gin brand, in collaboration with global travel retailer Avolta.

The store in Edinburgh Airport covers 20 square metres and is designed to reflect the brand’s new distillery and visitor centre, which will open in autumn at The Arches in the centre of the Scottish capital.

The interior includes stone walls, arched wall bays, black panelled cladding and a central bar. A range of tastings and ‘sensory’ experiences will be offered at the bar.

Ian Macleod Distillers global travel retail director, William Ovens, said he was confident of the boutique’s success as the airport is “one of the top outlets in the world for Edinburgh Gin sales”.

He continued: “We are thrilled to introduce this wonderful retail experience, which is a major milestone for Edinburgh Gin and reflects the strategic importance of travel retail to the brand.

“Edinburgh Gin plays a leading and pioneering role in the gin category and this exciting collaboration with Edinburgh Airport and Avolta showcases Edinburgh Gin’s flavour, craft and creativity to travellers in our home city.”

The gin brand already has a presence at the airport with a signature bar at Plaza Premium’s airside executive lounge.

The boutique will showcase the brand’s gins and gin liqueurs, as well as the launch of a new flavour for summer.

The Key Lime & Ginger expression, described as an ‘exotic but relatable flavour combination’, will be an exclusive for Avolta and UK duty free stores.

Avolta’s current exclusive Edinburgh Gin expression, Strawberry & Pink Peppercorn, will remain in the retailer’s stores and throughout travel retail.

In addition, the boutique will also see the debut of Edinburgh Gin’s new packaging, which aims to highlight the brand’s ‘filled with wonder’ message.

The packaging features a new bespoke bottle made from 49% recycled glass content, recyclable aluminium capsules and FSC-certified paper labels. All secondary packaging has been removed across the core range.

“As an airport, it’s important that we showcase the very best Scotland has to offer and you could say this new boutique is just the tonic,” said Gail Taylor, Edinburgh Airport chief commercial officer (non-aero).

“Working with and promoting local brands to our passengers is something we place focus on through our Greater Good sustainability strategy and we are proud of our long-standing links with Edinburgh Gin.

“We’re sure this boutique will be a big hit with passengers, whether they are looking to pick up a gift for friends or family or treat themselves to something special as they jet off on their travels.”

Recently, we explored how the gin category is set for growth in global travel retail.