More than 50 new distilleries opened in the UK last year, showing the “explosive creativity” of craft spirits, a study has revealed.
The number of “boutique” distillers is pushing big brands off the shelf, said accountancy group UHY Hacker Young.
England saw a 25% increase in new distilleries over the last year, from 28 to a record 35, with UK sales of gin breaking through the £1billion sales mark for the first time in 2016.
In Scotland the number of new distilleries has grown by 50% in the last year, with 12 opening in 2015 and 18 in 2016.
James Simmonds, of UHY Hacker Young, said: “Both the craft spirits and the craft brewery sectors are going through a period of explosive creativity.
“You can see that in everything from the logos, branding and advertising of these products.
“The quality of the product is streets ahead of their big brand competitors.
“It is no wonder that the global drinks giants are worried and the best way they have found to deal with that new competition is get out cheque books and buy them.”
