The MicroDistillers' Handbook Volume 2

Book excerpt: Artisan and micro distilling continue on an upward trajectory. In 2018 the UK had 205 distilleries, but that figure has now risen to 246 after a further 41 opened in 2019. The number of distilleries in the UK has now grown year on year since 2011, when there were just 110 distillers in the country. Consumers are now willing to pay for authentic smaller brands was said to have driven demand for ‘craft’ spirits, which has led to the increase in distillery numbers, “increasing popularity of flavoured spirits” being a major driver, with new brands creating flavoured expressions such as lemon sherbet, pear drop and Parma Violet. Gin sales in 2019 were recorded at over £1 billion. The growth in British craft distilling has not stopped yet. Whilst gin sales growth is beginning to taper off, new distillers are still entering the market and M&A (mergers and acquisitions) deals are being completed. “The trend for authentic local artisan food and drink looks to be here to stay, and that will continue to tempt entrepreneurs and investors into the craft spirits industry. “While artisan gin has been the big growth driver over the last five years, there is also strong interest in some of the smaller artisan whisky distillers in Scotland.”