The Lakes Distillery's Lakes Gin will be stocked at more than 260 Co-op stores across Cumbria.

Co-op has reacted to significant growth in the category to increase the gins available in its outlets.

In the year ending March 31, UK gin sales overall rose by 28 per cent in volume and by 33 per cent in value to reach £1.5 billion, meaning that sales have more than doubled in value in five years, according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA.)

The Lakes Gin is already listed with major retailers and specialist retailers across the country and UK World Duty Free stores in all UK airports.

Nigel Mills CBE, chief executive officer of The Lakes Distillery, said: “We are thrilled and proud that The Lakes Gin has been listed in Co-op stores across the country.

“Our Lakes Gin, one of the first products we created, has gained recognition for being of a high standard and quality and this listing is testament to that quality and our provenance.

"Our premium portfolio competes with some of the biggest brands in the market and this is demonstrated by the confidence shown in our products by major retailers.”

Jonathan Grey, spirits buyer at Co-op, said: “We’ve seen phenomenal growth within the gin category at Co-op this year and with customers continuing to trade up into more premium gins I feel there’s a great opportunity for the Lakes Gin in the Co-op.

"The quality and provenance of the liquid and distillery are exactly what our customers are looking for.”