Harrogate Distillery, the producer of Whittaker’s gin, is preparing to export its spirits to China after securing a deal with a local distributor.

The Yorkshire-based company, established by Toby and Jane Whittaker in 2015, offers a selection of small batch gins and spirits made in a Yorkshire-made still named Jezebel, using Nidderdale’s natural spring water.

In order to enter the Chinese market, including Hong Kong and Macau, the couple has partnered with distribution company Lion Exports.

Toby Whittaker, said: “We’re delighted to agree this distribution deal with Lion Exports.
“We have ambitious plans to grow our overseas market and believe that Lion Exports has the expertise and connections to help boost our sales and increase profits.”

Liam James of Lion Exports, added: “We believe that the Whittaker’s brand and products are ideally placed to do extremely well in the Chinese market.

“We are confident that our connections in the region, combined with our knowledge of the drinks sector, means that we are the right partner to represent them in this exciting opportunity.”

As well as producing gin to sell under its own Whittaker’s brand, the distillery also produces a mulberry-flavoured Gin for Harewood Estate and Cassis Gin for UK department store Fortnum and Mason.