Artisanal gin drives spectacular growth at Halewood Wines & Spirits

Stewart Hainsworth

Halewood Wines and Spirits, the Huyton-based independent artisanal spirits and craft beer producer, has today (January 7) announced its annual results for the year ended June 30, 2018.

The company delivered strong growth in underlying profits, driven by core artisanal brands: Whitley Neill Gin, JJ Whitley Gin, Liverpool Organic Gin, City of London Gin, Marylebone Gin, Aber Falls Welsh Gin, Peaky Blinder Gin, Dead Man’s Fingers Rum, Pogues Irish Whiskey, Hawkshead Brewery and Sadlers Ales.

Operating profit from continuing operations rose to £13.4m, compared with £4.2m the previous year, while the company disposed of its non-core businesses, the loss-making Romanian wine business and its investment in West Cork Distillers.

The management continues to focus on its strategy of being the leading player in artisanal gins in the UK and expanding to other large international spirits markets.

The group strategy of developing a premium range of artisanal craft spirits and beers alongside continued investment in brand marketing, route to market distribution and vertical integration, has delivered revenue and operating profit growth of 19.5% and 319%, respectively.

The group’s £50m investment programme in acquisitions, brands, distilling, brewing and bottling capability has created a unique portfolio of artisanal brands with strong regional provenance.

Key investments during the year include completion of Aber Falls Welsh Whisky Distillery, acquisition of Dead Man’s Fingers Cornish Rum and the Polish brand, Vestal Vodka.

H&A Prestige has performed well as the demand for specialised packaging and new artisanal spirits remains buoyant.

South Africa results remain steady, despite political difficulties and rand fluctuation.

Commenting on the results, group chief executive Stewart Hainsworth said: “Halewood has delivered an exceptional year of profitable growth, winning the coveted Gin Distiller of the year award and numerous other industry accolades.

“The strategy of offering artisanal gins across all channels, regions and consumer price points has transformed the business with an incredible performance from Whitley Neill Gin that is now the best-selling premium gin in the UK.”

The group plans further investment in premium craft spirits, vertical integration, distilling and brewing capability to further enhance its portfolio.

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