Sales of local and regional artisan gin have grown by 50% in the past year at Waitrose as demand for spirits from local distilleries continues to rise.
To meet customer demand, the retailer has today (24 July) introduced another three new gins from local British distilleries to several of its shops* – Ramsbury Gin (made on the Ramsbury Estate near Marlborough, Wiltshire), Cotswolds Dry Gin (made in Stourton, Warwickshire) and Masons Dry Yorkshire Gin (made in Bedale, North Yorkshire).
In recent years, Waitrose has worked with local distilleries across the UK to bring more artisan gins to its shelves, many of which had never been stocked in supermarkets before.
The retailer has long supported small suppliers and currently sells more than 2,500 locally and regionally sourced products from over 600 producers. Through its support, Waitrose has seen a number of local businesses become nationally-recognised brands, including Warner Edwards, whose Rhubarb Gin was initially sold in 133 Waitrose shops but is now stocked in nearly 300.
John Vine, Waitrose Spirits Buyer, said:
“Gin is now the most popular spirit we sell, having overtaken whisky earlier this year.
“Gin from local and regional distilleries have become particularly popular for several reasons. There's been a shift towards people sipping the spirit before their meal as an aperitif, so artisan gins, which tend to have been infused with unique flavours, really appeal for this purpose. Our customers are also looking for local gins in a bid to support smaller suppliers.”
