Distillery in distribution deal

Glasgow Distillery is toasting a new distribution deal with the UK’S biggest independent alcoholic drinks distributor, Merseyside-based Halewood Wines & Spirits.

The deal will see Halewood use its strong national network to secure new routes to market for the distillery’s premium gins and vodka, notably Makar Gin and G52 Urban Craft Vodka.

It follows the distillery’s launch of its first single malt whisky, 1770, earlier this month, after the company was founded in 2012 by Liam Hughes, Mike Hayward and Ian Mcdougall – Glasgow’s first independent single malt whisky distillery since 1902.

Liam Hughes, CEO of The Glasgow Distillery Company, said: “We’ve been looking for the right distribution partner for a number of years and a few of us were familiar with the exceptional work ethic and methods of Halewood’s team.

“The way Halewood has transformed its offering, as well as the scale and quality of its sales force and logistics, impressed us, so we knew very quickly during discussions that it was the perfect partner to help take our business forward.

“Our Makar Gin has enjoyed a lot of success in Scotland, with growth more than doubling in recent years, and working with Halewood gives us an exciting opportunity to widen the net and deliver our products to the UK and Ireland in both the on and off trade.”

John Bradbury, UK managing director at Halewood Wines & Spirits, said: “Glasgow Distillery is a shining example of what true artisanal craftsmanship looks like and has built great regional brand equity already. With the addition of Makar Gin into our portfolio, we are fast becoming the go-to premium craft gin distributor in the country.”