This month, William Grant & Sons launched its annual UK market report. Here, just-drinks looks at the report’s findings on the UK’s main spirits categories. Off-premise figures in the report use Nielsen data to 23 April and on-premise numbers are from CGA Strategy to 16 April. All figures are based on year-on-year data.

Whisk(e)y

  • The category increased sales value by 0.6% to GBP1.2bn (US$1.57bn). It is the largest category within spirits, accounting for 30.5% of sales value
  • All whisk(e)y sub-categories are in growth except for blended whisky
  • However, blended Scotch is the biggest sub-category, with 64% of value and 75% of volumes
  • American whiskey is second and has contributed the largest proportion of value sales growth over the last year, GBP13.3m
  • Single grain whisky is in strong growth, and is now worth GBP3m

Rum

  • The rum category is worth GBP321m, up 2.6%
  • Spiced rum accounts for a third of all rum sales and with 13% growth is the fastest growing sub-category
  • Dark rum accounts for one-fifth of all sales
  • The top three white rum brands are: Bacardi Carta Blanca, Captain Morgan’s White and Wray & Nephew Overproof
  • The top three golden rum brands are: Mount Gay Eclipse, Cockspur and Havana Club Especial

Vodka

  • Vodka posted 1.9% growth in the past year, to GBP1.2bn
  • Almost one in three spirits sales is vodka
  • In the convenience channel, it accounts for almost half of spirits sales
  • Flavoured vodka has grown ahead of the total category, up 6%
  • The top three non-flavoured brands are: Smirnoff Red Label, Glen’s and Russian Standard
  • Top three flavours are: Absolut Raspberri, Zubrowka Bison Grass, Smirnoff Lime

Gin

  • Gin has grown by 10% in the past year, to GBP407.9m
  • One in four gin sales is a premium brand
  • Premium gin is driving growth, up 33.6%
  • Gin is the fourth-largest spirits category in the UK, accounting for 10.3% of value sales
  • Over a third of new gin listings in the past year were in the GBP30-40 category
  • The top three premium gin brands are: Hendrick’s, Sipsmith London Dry and Tanqueray 10

Brandy & Cognac

  • The category climbed by 1.7% to GBP293.4m in the past year
  • Cognac accounts for more than a third of sales in brandy, up 4.2%
  • Brandy has the oldest consumers, with 68% over 45

Subscribe to Just Drinks for just £1 for 1 month

Stay ahead with unbiased news, expert commentary, and in-depth features on global topics.

As a trusted provider of data and insights, Just Drinks collaborates closely with industry leaders and professionals to offer unique thought leadership and analysis. Gain a deeper understanding of the drinks industry’s trajectory and the priorities shaping the profession.

What’s included in your subscription:
  • Personalized Access: Secure login to Just Drinks
  • Industry News & Expert Commentary: Timely updates and exclusive C-level interviews.
  • Case Studies & Deep Dives: Real-world applications and in-depth analyses.
  • Exclusive Subscriber Newsletter: Weekly top features, plus a new thematic report and webinar.

Ready to stay informed?

Subscribe to unlock exclusive content.

Already a subscriber? Sign in to access your account.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Pleasecomplete this form to request more information, and a representative will be in touch shortly.