British Embassy showcases UK gin as exports to Israel approach £4m.

The British Embassy in Israel and the UK Department for Business and Trade hosted a showcase of British gin producers in Tel Aviv on Monday, seeking to expand commercial ties between UK distilleries and the Israeli market.

The “Distilling Excellence: UK Gin Showcase” brought together Israeli distributors, retailers, hospitality professionals, and representatives from the food and drink industry for tastings and meetings with British producers.

More than 75% of the gin imported into Israel comes from British distilleries, according to figures released by the embassy. UK gin exports to Israel in bottles of up to two liters were valued at £3.99 million, approximately NIS 16 million, in 2024. Israel’s gin market is estimated at £9.73 million annually.

The event featured Brighton Gin, Shortcross Gin, Sky Wave Signature London Dry Gin, and Cotswolds Dry Gin, which recently entered the Israeli market through local distributor The Importer.

Established brands already sold in Israel, including The Botanist, Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Greenall’s Gin, and several British tonic-water producers, were also presented. Israeli distillery Milk & Honey participated in the event.

Guests attended a masterclass led by Sky Wave Gin co-founder and master distiller Andrew Parsons, followed by meetings between producers and potential Israeli commercial partners.

The UK has more than 1,000 distilleries and accounts for over half of global gin exports. British gin exports reached £602 million in 2025, a 13.7% increase from the previous year.

“Israel is an important market for British gin, with growing demand for premium brands and distinctive products,” British Ambassador to Israel Simon Walters told those gathered at the event.

“We are delighted to showcase a selection of outstanding UK gins and to bring together British producers with Israeli distributors, retailers and hospitality professionals. We hope this event will spark new partnerships and create further opportunities for trade between our two countries,” the ambassador added.