The Edinburgh-based specialty beer company was granted an award in the International Trade category, celebrating global commercial success. The last Scottish brewer to be presented with a Queen’s Award was Scottish & Newcastle in 1988.

Since its formation in 2003, Innis & Gunn has recorded an average annual growth of 56%, most recently reporting a turnover of £4.39m.

Cracking the key Scandinavian and North American export markets has been a firm focus for the brand, which has built an export business to end 2009 of £2.48m or 65% of annual revenue.

Dougal Sharp, managing director of Innis & Gunn, said: “There is no greater acknowledgement of the hard work that has gone in to shaping this business than winning a Queen’s Award.  The judging process is extremely rigorous and the judging panel comprises such prominent business leaders and Government advisors. That they saw our business as an example of excellence in international trade is a huge accolade for such a young company.”

Innis & Gunn is available in seven countries globally.