City of London Distillery seeks international sales

The City of London Distillery – the first distillery to open in London’s city centre in more than 200 years – is now seeking to expand its footprint in international markets.

The distillery, producer of the award-winning City of London Dry Gin, began distributing in some European countries six months ago, but is now looking for export opportunities further afield.

With capacity to produce just 300 bottles a day, Jonathan Clark, founder of the City of London Distillery, said that allocation would be limited in international markets.

“We are targeting niche markets and not trying to spread ourselves too thin,” he told The Spirits Business.

Clark added that he could look to “ramp up” distribution in the future in line with increased demand from overseas.

He also revealed that the distillery is currently working on a gin recipe for a new addition to the line, called The Square Mile.

The distillery has recently partnered with London’s The Dorchester Hotel to launch a house bottling of The Dorchester Old Tom Gin last month.

Although specific details about launch have yet to be disclosed, Clark said he hopes to create a bespoke labeling service for the new brand and also offer a refill bottling service allowing the distillery to become more environmentally friendly.

The City of London Dry Gin, which has also recently secured listing in Waitrose, is made from botanicals including: juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, liquorice root and fresh oranges, lemons and pink grapefruit.

Bottled at 40% abv, the gin retails for £32.50.