Forest Gin Distillery
Forest Gin Distillery. Credit: Forest Gin.

UK-based Forest Distillery plans to expand its alcohol exports capacity by 2023 after securing pre-orders from customers in Japan for its new brand Forest Whisky.

Forest Distillery is a family-owned company that was founded by Karl Bond and Lindsay Bond.

The firm currently generates 17% of its revenue through Forest Gin, which is expected to rise to 90% over the next five years.

The beverage is sold in more than ten countries, including Japan, China, Australia and the US.

“We’re expecting our exports to grow substantially over the next few years, especially as we continue to find trusted contacts in new markets.”

In the UK, the gin is stocked by Harvey Nichols and is available in the Virgin Trains First Class lounge in London.

Forest Distillery co-founder Karl Bond said: “We’ve been amazed at the reception to our gin from overseas buyers. We’re expecting our exports to grow substantially over the next few years, especially as we continue to find trusted contacts in new markets, with support from the Department for International Trade (DIT).

“We’re very excited about the launch of Forest Whisky. We’re only the 15th distiller in England to be granted a licence to mature whisky, and to receive pre-orders at this early stage shows how highly regarded British distillers are internationally.

“We expect to face a few challenges as we grow our exports. The logistics of transporting our porcelain bottles is an obvious one. But support is on hand from DIT to help us connect with distribution partners that we can trust to take maximum care of our products.”

Karl and Lindsay participated in trade missions to China, Japan and the US, organised as part of the Food is GREAT campaign.

This campaign is a joint initiative by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the DIT, aims to help British food and drink businesses sell their goods and services overseas.