Mangrove: Gin has peaked in the UK

Gin sales have peaked in the UK, while tequila, bourbon and rum are on the rise, according to Mangrove Spirits.

Talking to Drinks International, Nick Gillett of the premium spirits distributor said: “Gin may have peaked; there will be a shake out next year.”

Gillett said the influx of brands over recent years, some of which are of poor quality or inconsistent with the identity of gin. “Poor products will go to the wall,” he said.

Gillett said UK food trends, in London in particular, towards US and Latin American-style food have also had an effect on spirits sales.

“Bartenders want to make their food offering more authentic.

“We’ve seen huge interest in rum, tequila, pisco and now with the American styles – bourbon, rye and corn whiskeys and pre-prohibition drinks.”