Business & Economy
NECC partners with The Lakes Distillery and 21 Hospitality Group
April 5, 2017
The South African delegates from province KwaZulu-Natal include key dignitaries from the manufacturing and service sectors. The mission has taken the delegates on a tour of the regions key landmarks including a visit to St. James’ Park, South Tyneside College and Durham Cathedral.
James Ramsbotham, chief executive, North East England Chamber of Commerce said: “Trade links between North East England and KwaZulu-Natal offer a range of opportunities for local businesses looking to grow trade or to enter the South African market. There is huge potential for us to grow these links to our mutual advantage.”
The closing of the visit was steeped with heritage and innovation, The Lakes Distillery and 21 Hospitality Group hosted a private farewell drinks reception at 21 in their Private Dining Room.
Dhavall Ghandi, The Lakes Distillery’s Master Blender, hosted an exclusive tasting session for the delegates, educating on how the eagerly anticipated Lakes Single Malt Whisky is being created and demonstrating serves of the award-winning spirits portfolio.
As a leader of the growing English Whisky industry, The Lakes Distillery are in a prime position to export their products. To date they have successfully launched the British blended whisky, The One, to Taiwan, one of the world’s largest consumers of whisky.
They are currently focusing on other key markets for craft spirits, namely the US and Australia.
As of last week, the company have successfully shipped the first order of The One, The Lakes Gin, The Lakes Vodka and The Lakes Gin Explorer to Australia where they will be listed in up to nine key airports in Australia and New Zealand.
The Lakes Distillery said “This is an important milestone on our journey as we start to leave a significant footprint on the world spirits market. As we move towards releasing The Lakes Malt in 2018 we aim to continue to export to target markets such as France, South Africa and Canada as we fly the flag for British craft spirits”.