Gin buying service launches for UK retail and hospitality buyers

UK trade supplier The Great British Exchange has launched a gin buying service for retail and hospitality buyers to support “up and coming, UK-based gin makers into the mainstream”.

The service, according to the supplier, will also allow stores, bars and restaurants to offer originality in their drinks lists by stocking small-scale brands and gin-themed gifts.

Matthew Hopkins, managing director of the Great British Exchange, said: “The gin trend shows no sign of abating and as we approach the key buying season for Christmas 2018, retailers will be looking for a point of difference to maximise sales.

“Suppliers are locked in a race to deliver newness to retailers and I believe that the level of innovation we are currently seeing amongst gin producers, with the development of rare gins, beautiful bottles, artisan tonics and gift sets, will perpetuate the trend and boost sales by between 15 and 25% compared to last year,” he said.

Following the success of spirited novelties such as Pickering’s Gin baubles and Pinkster’s ‘inebriated’ boozy berries, Matthew predicts that growth in the gin sector will be aided by an increase in ‘gin gifting’ over Christmas this year.

“Without a doubt, this is a fantastic opportunity for British producers to win sales from overseas manufacturers during the peak consumer spending season and they are going all out to maximise the potential for growth,” he added.

The Great British Exchange, which launched in 2014, will stock brands including Slingsby, Mason’s Yorkshire Gin, Unicorn Tears, Trevethan, The Lakes Distillery, Black Shuck and Forest Gin.

“The number of gin producers we work with has soared over the last 6 to 12 months as we have worked hard to establish relationships with some of the brightest and best British artisan talent,” said Matthew.

“Over the coming months we will be taking some of those gins on tour and hosting tasting events for buyers to offer them a chance to experience the hottest products and most exciting gift ideas”.

A record 51 million bottles of gin worth almost £1.4 billion were bought in the UK in 2017, an increase of 27% in volume compared to 2016.