UK gin exports 'could emulate whisky industry success'

Updated

The UK's gin exports could match the £4 billion whisky industry, Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss has claimed.

The Government is hoping that measures such as cutting duty on gin by 2% and serving it at overseas embassies will lead to a boost in sales which will create jobs and investment.

Gin exports were worth over £390 million last year, up from £288 million in 2010.

The UK is the world's leading exporter of the spirit and Ms Truss hopes the domination of the market will continue to grow.

She said: "There is a huge opportunity for British gin makers to export more of our first class products across the globe.

"Traditional distillers like Beefeater trade on the proud history of this quintessentially British drink and it's fantastic to also see innovators like Sipsmith, pioneering new techniques and contributing to British gin being enjoyed worldwide.

"This is fertile ground with enormous opportunities. There is absolutely no reason why our gin trade can't be as successful as whisky, which made £4 billion for our economy last year.

"I want to harness the ambition of our gin-trepreneurs and see them match that in years to come, helping us and building a stronger one nation economy for the UK.

"We will continue to unleash the creative spirit of our food and drink entrepreneurs by giving them the freedom, the technology, the research and the people to think big, take risks and build profitable businesses."

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