Pickering's gin lands export deals in Australia, NZ

EDINBURGH gin distiller Pickering's has doubled its production capacity after winning export deals in Australia and New Zealand.

Pickering's Gin founders Matthew Gammell, left, and Marcus Pickering. Picture: Jane Barlow

The firm, launched in 2014 by Matt Gammell and Marcus Pickering, has added a second still at its Summerhall site, which once housed Edinburgh’s Royal Dick Vet School.

Mr Pickering said: “We are thrilled that we are exporting Pickering’s Gin to some of the key global gin markets and are delighted that we can add Australia and New Zealand to our list of export countries. It is testament to the quality of our products that there has been such an interest and demand for our premium gins globally.”

Mr Pickering and Mr Gammell visited Australia and New Zealand at the end of last year to identify and explore the marketplaces to gain a greater understanding of the needs and specific requirements.

Mr Pickering said: “With the markets that we have visited, a very important part of the trip is speaking to and seeing the best bars, hotels and trade outlets in the country. Getting them to taste our product is hugely beneficial and a major part of our trip.”

To cope with the demand of these new markets, Pickering’s Gin has doubled its output capacity by installing the second still. Since the launch just two years ago, the distillery has had to expand and reconfigure four times. Mr Gammell said: “By installing a second still we are able to vastly increase our production and now have the potential to produce over 1200 bottle a day. We have seen a huge increase in the people interested in our tours, so to ensure that we can continue producing gin, and welcome visitors, we are reconfiguring the distillery. We also have plans to upgrade our bottling line to cope with this increased demand.”

The first shipments have already been exported and are due to arrive just in time for the arrival of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, of which Pickering’s Gin is an official sponsor, in February.

Mr Gammell said: “For the past two years, we have been the official sponsor of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and we are thrilled to be joining the Tattoo Down Under in February as they take their world-famous event to audiences in Australia and New Zealand.”