Cotswolds Distillery has set its target on worldwide expansion after making its debut in travel retail in the UK.
The company partnered with Dufry-owned World Duty Free to launch Cotswolds Dry Gin, Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky and Cotswolds Cream Liqueur in selected airports earlier this year. The three products were featured at Birmingham, Bristol and East Midlands airports.
Cotswolds Distillery noted that the promotions had a “significant impact” on sales. The company said that a recent crowdfunding effort, which raised £3 million (US$3.9 million) of equity, demonstrated commitment to worldwide expansion.
Cotswolds Distillery was established in 2014, and is one of six distilleries producing English whisky. It is the first and only full-scale working craft distillery located within the Cotswolds, a region in England known for its pastoral scenes, picturesque villages and agriculture.
The UK airport promotions included sampling, while staff members offered insights into the brand and its Cotswolds origin. At Birmingham Airport promotions were supported by a film detailing the distillery’s heritage, its products and production processes.
World Duty Free Commercial Category Manager Kathryn Kindness said: “As the UK’s leading travel retailer, we are always looking to expand our range with more local brands to offer to our customers, and the Cotswolds Distillery offers this with its natural spirits.
“Its award-winning dry gin offers a blend of botanicals that is sure to be popular with domestic and international customers, along with the rich cream liqueur. We are also delighted to be able to offer customers the single malt whisky, which is the first single malt ever distilled in the Cotswolds countryside, bringing something special to World Duty Free.”
