A Look at the UK’s Leading Spirits Distributors

In the UK, the significance of top-tier spirit distributors cannot be overstated, particularly as the market continues to thrive with a growing interest in premium and craft spirits. For businesses seeking to offer an exceptional selection to their customers, partnering with leading distributors is crucial. Below, we highlight some of the foremost spirit distributors in the UK, renowned for their expertise and reliability in delivering outstanding spirits to the market.

Speciality Drinks

Speciality Drinks is a premium spirits wholesaler supplying whisky, spirits, wine, and champagne across the UK and globally. Founded in 1999 by Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh, the company works with over 1,500 bars, restaurants, and hotels, offering a curated range of more than 10,000 products, including exclusive UK bottlings.

Inverarity Morton

Inverarity Morton, based in Scotland and founded in 1945, is a leading supplier of premium spirits, wines, beers, and soft drinks to the on-trade. With more than 2,800 customers, the company serves Scotland from its Glasgow depot and also operates a retail Bottle Shop at Bonnie & Wild in Edinburgh, specialising in premium and rare spirits.

?Matthew Clark

Founded in 1810, Matthew Clark has evolved from a wine and spirits broking business to a leading supplier to pubs, bars, hotels, and restaurants. With a selection of thousands of alcohol products from 80 countries, their award-winning e-commerce platform, Matthew Clark Live, offers customers unique pricing, promotions, and fast delivery options.

WoodWinters

Originally a store-based business in Scotland, WoodWinters has expanded into a successful wholesale operation with strengths in Scotland, Manchester, the North, and Greater London. Their portfolio features a strong focus on Italian wines, with global reach and a notable selection of whiskies.

Amathus Drinks

Established in 1978, Amathus Drinks is a family-owned importer, distributor, and specialist in the drinks industry. Led by Harry Georgiou, this award-winning company offers a distinguished selection of internationally recognized whiskies and spirits, including brands such as Chateau du Breuil, The Matsui, and Barcelo.

Mangrove

Founded in 2006 by John Coe and Nick Gillett, Mangrove is a leading distributor of premium spirits. Their product catalogue features renowned brands like Abasolo, Aluna Coconut, and Arcane Rum, each carefully selected by their in-house experts.

Hills Prospect

Hills Prospect is the largest independent composite wholesaler serving the on-trade in the South East. With 45 years of outstanding service, the company supports pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, and clubs, offering a growing portfolio of quality wines and a fleet of 38 lorries for efficient delivery.

Swallow Wholesale Drinks Solution

Operating for over 40 years in the West Midlands, Swallow Wholesale Drinks Solution is a well-established name in the industry. Their extensive warehouse stocks over 2,500 products, including spirits, beers, and wines. Swallow partners with small local distilleries like 1000 Trades Distillery and Cremaura Tequila, delivering high-quality products at competitive prices to their on-trade clients.

Emporia Brands

Founded in 1986, Emporia Brands has earned the Spirits Distribution Trophy at the International Wine & Spirits Competition. Their dynamic catalogue features esteemed brands such as Jindea Single Estate Tea Gin, Distilleries et Domaines de Provence, and Gabriel Boudier Crème de Cassis de Dijon.

Beverage Boys

Established in 2018, Beverage Boys began importing and distributing bespoke spirits in 2020. Their portfolio includes artisan options like El Tinieblo Mezcal and award-winning spirits like Gustav Blueberry Vodka, which won a silver medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Amber Beverage Group

Previously known as Cellar Trends, Amber Beverage Group was established in 1999. The company boasts a portfolio that includes prominent names such as Moskovskaya Vodka, The Irishman Whiskey, and Cosmopolitan Diva. With ownership of approximately 100 brands and distribution of many more, Amber Beverage Group aspires to be the UK's leading drinks distribution business.

Love Drinks

Founded by Kirsty Loveday in 2007, Love Drinks aims to create one of the most innovative and impressive portfolios in the UK. Their selection of spirits includes well-known brands like Abelha, Virtuous Vodka, and Recuerdo. Love Drinks focuses on quality over quantity, making them a preferred partner for on-trade clients seeking exceptional products.

Libra Drinks

Libra Drinks, established in 2005 and managed by Gary Beagley, is a key player in the East Midlands drinks market. Their extensive portfolio includes premium, mainstream, niche, and craft spirit brands, featuring names like Adnams, Absolut, and 1757 Vermouth di Torino. With nearly two decades of experience, Libra Drinks is committed to delivering the right drink to the right place, ensuring client satisfaction.

Drink Warehouse UK

Founded by Mick Curtis, Drink Warehouse UK is an independent wholesaler with a dynamic catalogue that reflects trending tastes. Their portfolio includes well-known spirits such as Smirnoff, Tanqueray, Aperol, Jack Daniels, and J?germeister, catering to a wide range of client preferences.

Hammonds of Knutsford

With over 60 years in the industry, Hammonds of Knutsford has built an impressive client base across the on and off-trades. The company stocks more than 2,500 SKUs and has invested in expanding its range of Scotch whiskies while growing its customer base across the independent sector.?

As key players in the beverage industry, these top spirits distributors are integral to maintaining the high standards and wide variety that the market demands. Their dedication to sourcing the finest spirits and building strong relationships with producers and retailers ensures that consumers can enjoy an unparalleled selection of premium products.