Lakes Distillery expands nationwide with 263-store Co-op listing

The Lakes Distillery has signed a deal to get bottles of its flagship The Lakes Gin stocked in 263 Co-op stores.

The company, which operates from sites in Cumbria and Newcastle, said the listing is part of Co-op’s reaction to continuing growth in the market.

According to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, overall UK gin sales rose 28% in volume and 33% in value to reach £1.5bn during the 12 months to March 31, which means sales have more than doubled in value in five years.

Nigel Mills CBE, chief exec of The Lakes Distillery, said: “We are thrilled and proud that The Lakes Gin has been listed in Co-op stores across the country.

“Our Lakes Gin, one of the first products we created, has gained recognition for being of a high standard and quality and this listing is testament to that quality and our provenance.”

He added: “Our premium portfolio competes with some of the biggest brands in the market and this is demonstrated by the confidence shown in our products by major retailers.”

The Lakes Gin is already listed with retailers across the country, including World Duty Free stores at all UK airports.

In September, the company revealed it was exploring a potential multi-million pound float on London Stock Exchange’s sub-market, AIM.

Co-op spirits buyer Jonathan Grey commented: “We’ve seen phenomenal growth within the Gin category at Co-op this year and with customers continuing to trade up into more premium gins I feel there’s a great opportunity for the Lakes Gin in the Co-op.

“The quality and provenance of the liquid and distillery are exactly what our customers are looking for.”