THE GLASGOW Distillery – a global spirit distillery focussing on Scotch whisky, gin, rum and vodka – was founded in 1770 at Dundashill and remained active until closure at the beginning of the 20th Century.
In 2012, The Glasgow Distillery company re-opened becoming the first single malt whisky distillery in Glasgow for over 100 years.
Founders Liam Hughes, Mike Hayward and Ian McDougall hope that the establishment of the first Glasgow Distillery heralds the start of a whole new age of distilling in Glasgow.
The Glasgow Distillery started exporting its products in 2014 and now exports its single malt whisky, vodka and rum to more than 12 countries. It is planning on expanding that this year to the USA, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. It exported 1,000 bottles of whisky in 2018 and by the end of 2022 is expecting to have exported more than 100,000 bottles. It is hoping to triple this figure by the end of 2025.
The UK has negotiated and signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Australia which will play an important role in levelling up the UK, delivering benefits for towns, cities and rural areas throughout the country. It is expected to increase trade with Australia by 53%, boost the economy by £2.3 billion and add £900 million to household wages in the long run.
At entry into force of the Australia FTA, The Glasgow Distillery could benefit from the elimination of tariffs on products including whisky and gin exports, which were previously set at 5%.
Upon entry into force, the UK-New Zealand FTA will immediately remove all tariffs on UK exports to New Zealand, including drinks such as gin (up to 5%).
Smaller businesses will find it easier to break into the Australian and New Zealand markets, benefitting from modern customs procedures such as digital documents and faster customs clearance.
The Australia and New Zealand FTAs could see a wide range of iconic UK products given protected Geographical Indication (GI) status respectively in Australia and New Zealand, which means that products which do not meet the required qualities or characteristics cannot use recognisable names like Scotch Whisky.
International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said:
“Scotch whisky is our number one food and drink export and I’m delighted to see businesses like The Glasgow Distillery making high quality products that are sold to the world.”
“Companies who export are more prosperous and support good-quality, higher paying jobs. The trade deals we are agreeing help them make the most of these opportunities and will grow the economy of Scotland and the whole UK.”
Liam Hughes, Co-Founder and CEO at The Glasgow Distillery, said:
“Free Trade Agreements with both Australia and New Zealand mean that we are now able to expand our imports into these countries and be more competitive as a result.”
“Both markets are open to us in 2022 and we are able to pass on cost savings due to the removal of 5% tariffs of our products and be more competitive against established brands as a result.”
