Edinburgh-based distillery Holyrood has announced that its portfolio is soon to be available in the Netherlands following a new partnership with Dutch importer and distributor High Spirits. 

 

The distillery currently exports its products to 15 overseas markets, with 10 further markets expected for 2025. The distillery says it has experienced export growth in 2024, with mid-years sales exceeding 2023 sales by 15 per cent. 

 

High Spirits is a specialist supplier to the off-trade, which has independent specialist retailer partners across the Netherlands. Holyrood’s full spirits portfolio launch to the Dutch market will be marked by a series of tastings from 6–8 September, touring locations around the country. The brand's Scotch whisky, rum, and gin will be included.

 

Giancarlo Bianchi joined Holyrood as sales director earlier in 2024 and oversees the distillery’s overseas growth. Bianchi commented: “It’s an exciting time for Holyrood Distillery as we announce our partnership with High Spirits and begin distribution of our full spirits portfolio throughout the Netherlands. High Spirits is a young, independent supplier, with a small yet dynamic team who are experts in identifying the best-suited independent retailers for brands. 

 

“Our priority is to identify the ideal export partners to tell our unique story, get liquid on lips and support our full portfolio of super-premium and innovative Scottish spirits, and we believe that High Spirits is the perfect partner to do just that.

 

“Despite challenging market conditions, Holyrood Distillery continues to see strong international growth and thanks to the unique characteristics of the liquid, our urban location and innovative approach we’ve already exceeded last year’s export volume.”