Exports of British gin products are proving to be a tonic for the economy, as demand has boosted overseas sales to £474 million in 2016.
British gin exports have gone up 32% in 5 years and if current trends continue exports of gin will hit the £500 million mark before the end of 2017.
More and more nations are clamouring for the sought after spirit with 139 countries now bulk buying British gin and sales of the spirit exceeding exports of beef last year. The United States remains the largest export market.
The gin industry is capitalising on increasing global demand for the products, a trend that saw 44 new distilleries open in the UK last year.
Gin exports were a key part of the success of the food and drink export performance, which saw an increase of more than 10% last year, to exceed £20 billion for the first time.