The number of distilleries in the UK has risen by a fifth in the last year to a total of 131, a new report suggests.
This is double the number in 2012, and is in large part due to the sudden popularity of artisan gin, says accountancy group UHY Hacker Young.
The value of gin sales has increased significantly over recent years – hitting £1.07bn in 2016 and is expected to rise to £1.37bn by 2020.
The quintessentially British gin and tonic is now so popular, dedicated bars are popping up all around the UK.
James Simmonds, of UHY Hacker Young, said: “The gin-naissance shows no signs of abating, with the industry going from strength to strength.
“Five years ago, artisan gin was a relatively unknown product, but now it’s very common to see five or 10 different premium gins on the menu or on a supermarket shelf.
“Premium gins often retail at around £30 a bottle, making it a high-margin industry.
“Gin can be very versatile – with many companies adding new and unusual flavourings to their products.
“This means that new producers can differentiate themselves relatively easily in comparison to other spirit producers such as whisky.”
Source: Sky