The British Embassy in Israel and the UK Department for Business and Trade hosted a showcase celebrating the growth of British gin in Israel and promoting new commercial ties between producers and local distributors.
The “Distilling Excellence: UK Gin Showcase” brought together Israeli importers, hospitality professionals, specialist retailers, food and drink media and embassy guests to sample British brands and explore potential partnerships.
Britain is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of premium gin, with more than 1,000 distilleries across the country and over half of global gin exports originating in the UK. British gin exports reached £602 million in 2025, up 13.7% from the previous year.
Israel remains a relatively small but significant market for the industry. British exports of gin to Israel in bottles of up to two liters were valued at £3.99 million, or roughly NIS 16 million, in 2024. More than 75% of all gin imported into Israel comes from British distilleries.
Israel’s gin market is estimated to be worth about £9.73 million annually, with demand driven by the growth of cocktail culture and increasing interest in premium brands with distinctive origins and identities.
The event included a masterclass led by Andrew Parsons, master distiller and co-founder of Sky Wave Gin, followed by a networking reception connecting British producers with Israeli distributors, buyers and hospitality professionals.
British Ambassador to Israel Simon Walters
(Photo: May Savir)
Four brands seeking to expand in Israel were featured: Brighton Gin, Shortcross Gin, Sky Wave Signature London Dry Gin and Cotswolds Dry Gin, which recently entered the Israeli market through The Importer.
The showcase also presented British brands already available in Israel, including The Botanist, Greenall’s Gin, Thomas Dakin, Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Fever-Tree and Franklin & Sons. Israeli distillery Milk & Honey was also featured.
“The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s finest gin producers, combining heritage, innovation and exceptional quality,” British Ambassador to Israel Simon Walters said.
“Israel is an important market for British gin, with growing demand for premium brands and distinctive products,” he added. “We hope this event will spark new partnerships and create further opportunities for trade between our two countries.”