Remaining in the EU is just the tonic for the UK’s gin industry, says MP Damian Hinds
Gin exports would be hit hard if the UK voted to leave the European Union next month, a Treasury politician warned today.
"The UK’s gin industry is undergoing a remarkable renaissance with the rest of the world developing a taste for our world-leading gin," exchequer secretary to the Treasury Damian Hinds said as he met with industry and Beefeater Gin leaders.
"The message from industry voices and famous gin makers like Beefeater is clear; leaving the EU would hit exports hard and could apply the brakes to the gin boom. I believe that gin like the rest of our spirits industry will be stronger, safer and better off within a reformed EU."
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The UK exported 30m bottles of gin to the EU last year, making up 45 per cent of total gin exports by value.
However, industry leaders who met with Hinds warned that losing access to the EU single market could mean UK producers would struggle to maintain current levels of trade in a highly-regulated industry such as alcohol.
Laurent Lacassagne, chairman and chief executive of Chivas Brothers, owner of Beefeater gin, said: "While this is clearly a decision that will be and should be made by the UK public, Chivas Brothers believes that being part of the EU supports the continued success and future of spirits made in and exported from the UK like gin and Scotch whisky.
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"The EU’s single market, such as its regulation of food and drink, combined with its single trade policy, are vital to our industry and our brands. The result is fair access to markets, which in turn supports jobs, growth and the industry in the long-term."
A recent survey carried out by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) found that the UK wine and spirit trade will be stronger if Britain remained in the EU.
As part of a consultation of its 300-plus members this message was endorsed by 90 per cent of those who responded.
"The great tradition of British gin making is supported by remaining in Europe – for both exporting and quality reasons. Exports of gin have risen by 46 per cent in the past five years, with sales to 139 countries, worth £2.18bn over that period. In 2015 alone the UK exported £231m worth of gin to non-EU countries and an impressive £189m to consumers inside the EU's single market," Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association said.
"Without the benefit of the quality standards underpinned by the European definition of gin our producers and their brands could find themselves with fewer consumers, fewer trading partners and a less glowing global reputation."