More than 75% of all imported gin in Israel comes from British distilleries, and the UK is globally recognized as the world\u2019s leading producer and exporter of premium gin, with over 50% of the spirit\u2019s exports originating in the UK.<\/p>\n
\t Several established UK brands and mixers are already available in Israel, including The Botanist, Greenall\u2019s Gin, Tanqueray Gin and Fever-Tree tonics, Bombay Sapphire and Franklin & Sons Tonics.<\/p>\n Israel also has some of its own unique gins, including several that incorporate local botanicals like citron, Medjool dates and sumac. There\u2019s also local distillery M&H\u2019s Levantine Gin, with a blend of hyssop and lemon verbena, which was also available at the tasting.<\/p>\n This country is still considered a strong boutique market for British gin, UK Ambassador Simon Walters said.<\/p>\n \u201cIsrael is an important market for British gin, with growing demand for premium brands and distinctive products,\u201d Walters said at the event. \u201cWe hope this event will spark new partnerships and create further opportunities for trade between our two countries.\u201d<\/p>\n \t UK exports of gin to Israel were worth almost \u00a34 million ($5.4 million) in 2024, according to embassy figures.<\/p>\n On Monday, guests attended a gin masterclass hosted by Andrew Parsons, Master Distiller and co-founder of Sky Wave Gin, followed by a networking reception connecting UK producers with Israeli distributors, buyers and hospitality professionals.<\/p>\n \u201cWe always bring someone in to show that there\u2019s true interest, not just a marketing story,\u201d said Shapiro. \u201cWe bring in someone who wants to actively engage with the local market.\u201d<\/p>\n Parsons introduced four gin brands aiming to enter the Israeli market: England\u2019s Brighton Gin, Northern Ireland\u2019s Shortcross Gin, his Sky Wave Signature London Dry Gin and Cotswolds Dry Gin.<\/p>\n After tasting the four gins, guests chose from two gin cocktails: a straight-up, gin-and-cucumber tonic and a tomato gin and tonic, mixed with gin, crushed cherry tomatoes and grated ginger.<\/p>\n There were British snacks as well: small plates of fish and chips, beans and eggs on toast, and curry-smothered tofu.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re throwing this party to continue to encourage trade in both directions,\u201d said Shapiro. \u201cIt\u2019s possible to do events like this again, and not just focus on politics.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tThe four British gins introduced by the British Embassy to Israeli distributors at a tasting event on July 13, 2026 (Mai Savir)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-07-14-at-12.10.11-2-640x400.jpeg\")
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\n\t\tUK Ambassador Simon Walters at the Tel Aviv gin tasting hosted by the British Embassy for Israeli distributors on July 13, 2026 (Mai Savir)<\/p>\n
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