Tequila sold in the UK off-trade grew 7% in volume in the 12 months to 31 December 2016 and 5% in value, worth £13 million in 2016.

The on-trade accounted for the remaining £160m worth of sales, with value sales growing ahead of volume, up 6% compared with the previous year.

By volume, sales of Tequila in the on-trade grew 3% in the 12 months to 31 December 2016, to just under 1.9 million bottles.

The WSTA attributed this to the growing popularity of premium sipping Tequilas and Tequila-based cocktails, as Brits move away from the classic combination of a shot and a lime wedge.

“The UK has seen a boom in Tequila sales over the last two years, up £46 million to £173 million in 2016, an increase of +37%,” said Miles Beale, chief executive of the WSTA.

“The trend is moving away from shots and strongly towards high quality, cocktail combinations and increasingly sophisticated shipping products. Additionally, there is a growing popularity of craft cocktails being enjoyed in bars and then recreated in our homes.”

The growth of Tequila in the UK has been attributed to the changing perception of the spirit by consumers, and the ways in which they are choosing to drink the spirit.

“Agave spirits – especially Tequila – are now being acknowledged and accepted more widely as a crafted product with a plethora of rich flavors,” said Sophie Bratt, assistant bar manager at Harvey Nichols, OXO Tower.

Read more at Source: The Drinks Business