The number of distilleries increased sharply in the UK in 2019, according to figures released by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

According to records, distillery openings in the country increased by 22% from 361 in 2018 to 441 in 2019, an increase of nearly 80 distilleries last year.

Furthermore, according to HMRC figures, England currently has 228 distilleries, an increase of 62 distilleries.

Scotland also registered an increase in the number of distilleries, increased by 26, taking the total up to 186 distilleries.

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association chief executive Miles Beale said: “It’s brilliant to see the number of British distilleries grow up and down the country, year on year, providing jobs and boosting the local economies.

“A freeze at the last Budget has certainly helped our innovative British distillers to invest and boost exports. We are therefore asking the Chancellor to take the time to consider what a cut will do to boost both British Business and his revenue coffers.”

Scotland has been dominating the market with its distilleries.

However, the latest HMRC figures suggest that England for the first time overtook Scotland.

One of the primary reasons for this increase is believed to be the increase in the demand for gin products, helping the total number of UK distilleries to more than double in the last five years.

Beale added: “It is proven from the Government’s own statistics that cutting or freezing duty brings more money to the Treasury. On March the 11th we are calling on the Chancellor to cut spirit duty by 2% and deliver a win for British business, a win for British consumers and a windfall for the Treasury.

“The latest HMRC figures do not reveal the total number of distillery openings in Wales and Northern Ireland as the applicants were fewer than five and the actual number has been withheld by officials to protect the confidentiality of HMRC’s customers.”