A GROWING thirst for flavoured gins and craft spirits has sparked a surge in new distilleries, according to a new report.
Research by law firm RPC suggested the number of distillery businesses in the UK increased to 205 in 2018, up from 170 in 2017.
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The figures do not distinguish between distilleries that make whisky, gin, both or other spirits.
But flavoured gins enjoyed a record year in 2018, with a 751 per cent increase in sales in the UK, as consumer thirst for unusual flavour continued, the research showed.
According to a separate report by the Wine and Spirits Trade Association (WSTA), the total value of gin sales in the UK was £1.9billion last year.
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Britain’s love for the tipple also made gin a popular gift at Christmas, along with a wide range of gin-themed gifts such as gin baubles and gin advent calendars.
Trademarks are also rising due to the launch of increasing numbers of limited edition products.
There were 2,482 trademarks registered in 2018 – up from 2,210 in 2017 – with the number having risen by 12 per cent over 12 months, research by law firm RPC suggested.
Ciara Cullen, of RPC, said: “Consumer demand for new flavours and experiences has contributed to increased innovation and diversification of product lines – we are seeing all kinds of exciting new infusions.
“A lot of multinational distillers are now bringing out extra lines and limited runs of niche drinks, to compete with independents that have started to bite into their market share.”
If you’re a fan of the juniper-flavoured spirit, Asda just released a Christmas range of gins to get shoppers in the mood for a festive tipple, with flavours including marshmallow and mince pie.
Looking for more festive drinks? Aldi is selling a shimmery gin liqueur that tastes of candy canes for Christmas.
While Sainsbury’s Christmas range includes glittery sugar plum and chocolate orange gin liqueurs.
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