How UK spirits brands can tackle EU’s route to market
The producer of Drylaw, Organic Grape Spirit, has developed a three-tiered export strategy to navigate the post-Brexit landscape for the EU market.
In the years following Brexit, which saw the UK withdraw from the EU in 2020, UK exporters of organic products have been facing challenges due to regulatory differences and logistical issues, particularly regarding the EU’s strict import requirements for certified organic goods.
According to Kent-based Organic Grape Spirit distillery, a significant concern has been the Certificate of Inspection (COI) requirement, which the EU mandates for UK exports, despite the UK not requiring the same for organic imports from the EU.
For producers dedicated to sustainable and high-quality spirits, this situation has raised both practical and principled questions: how can UK brands navigate these new obstacles without compromising their standards or market presence?
Organic Grape Spirit has addressed these challenges through a well-structured strategy involving partnerships with Danish distributor Bemakers and Nueva IQT in Spain.
Regulatory asymmetry
Under current EU law (Regulation (EU) 2018/848), all organic products imported from non-EU countries must be accompanied by a Certificate of Inspection (COI) issued through the Traces system. This requirement applies even when the certification body, such as the UK’s Soil Association, adheres to standards that are equal to or stricter than those of the EU organic regime.
In contrast, the UK has adopted a more open approach: EU-certified organic goods can enter the UK without needing a COI. According to Organic Grape Spirit, this creates an imbalance, as the compliance obligations primarily fall on UK exporters.
As a result of this lack of reciprocity, UK producers must navigate a two-tiered compliance system.
The system is particularly challenging for those whose products are certified under Soil Association Certification, which is widely recognised for meeting and exceeding EU minimum standards.
These higher standards include stricter regulations on agrochemical inputs, biodiversity preservation, and additional sustainability factors such as ethical labour practices, packaging, and supply chain transparency.
Strategic partnership
Recognising that market potential remained strong despite post-Brexit challenges, Organic Grape Spirit developed a three-tiered export strategy that ensures regulatory compliance while facilitating efficient market access and expanding commercial reach.
For Organic Grape Spirit, Bemakers acts as a reliable partner for import consolidation. All Drylaw shipments to the EU are processed through Bemakers’ bonded warehouse and clearing infrastructure.
This arrangement with Bemakers ensures efficient handling of Traces-based COIs, customs procedures, and entry declarations in accordance with EU organic and excise regulations.
Once the goods have cleared into the EU single market, they are transferred to Nueva IQT, Drylaw’s appointed distributor in Europe.
Nueva IQT oversees direct to business (B2B) and consumer (B2C) logistics, warehousing, local compliance, and distribution directly to trade customers and retailers across Europe.
These two partnerships create a direct distribution model, allowing Drylaw to bypass traditional multi-tiered importers. According to the producer, this strategy not only helps maintain brand integrity but also improves speed-to-market and margin efficiency.
Federico Gulino, director of Organic Grape Spirit, said: “We designed Drylaw to embody the highest standards of transparency, sustainability, and flavour. Our organic certification isn’t a marketing tool – it’s our foundation. We weren’t willing to lower those standards just to cross a border. Instead, we built a route that respects both the spirit and the letter of organic trade – even if that letter has become a bit more bureaucratic.”
“With growing demand and a proven distribution network in place, Drylaw is not just exporting spirits – it’s exporting a model of post-Brexit resilience rooted in quality, compliance, and intelligent collaboration.”
Thanks to its integrated strategy, Drylaw has established a presence in an increasing number of venues. The brand is now featured in Nykteri in Copenhagen, Denmark; Mauz Madriz in Madrid, Spain; and Beefbar in Milan, Italy, among others.
According to the brand, the expansion reflects the growing demand in Europe for high-quality organic spirits that emphasise provenance and transparent values.
Earlier this year, Organic Grape Spirit distillery was recognised with a carbon-neutral certificate from Carbon Neutral Britain.
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