The Secret Garden Distillery at Showcasing Scotland 2026
Last week, owners Imogen and Isobel Armstrong represented The Secret Garden Distillery at Showcasing Scotland 2026, a premier event celebrating Scottish craft spirits. Held in Edinburgh, Scotland, the three-day event connects Scottish producers with international importers, buyers, and distributors, providing a vital platform for expanding global reach.
For us, the highlight was welcoming international buyers to the distillery. Hosting lunch in our Distillery Glasshouse, surrounded by the botanicals that inspire our spirits, allowed visitors to experience our seed-to-sip ethos first-hand.
Demonstrating Seed-to-Sip: Distillery Tours and Botanical Inspiration
First, Imogen gave our visitors a presentation showcasing our unique luxury gins and explaining our seed to sip ethos before their tour of our Edinburgh gardens illustrated here:
After the tour our visitors enjoyed tasting our award-winning hand-crafted gins as shown below:
The tour of the gardens and distillery showcased our approach to sustainable, botanical-driven spirits. From growing and selecting herbs in our Scottish gardens to careful distillation, visitors experienced the full lifecycle of our products.
By engaging buyers directly with our distillery just outside Edinburgh, we strengthen trust and highlight authenticity which are key factors for international export success.
Networking and Global Connections
The event attracted buyers from around the world - all interested in Scottish spirits and it was great to see so many of them come to the Garden.
Beyond the distillery, we participated in the wider programme organised by Scottish Development International, including:
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Networking receptions
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Gala dinners
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Two full days of B2B meetings with international importers
These discussions, both with new contacts and returning partners, are critical for expanding our Scottish craft spirit exports and exploring new global markets.
Optimism for Scottish Craft Spirit Exports
The main takeaway from Showcasing Scotland 2026? Real optimism. Despite current market challenges, international interest in our award-winning premium, sustainably-produced gin and spirits is strong. This reinforces confidence in continuing to expand our global presence.
Acknowledging Partners and the Distillery Team
We extend our thanks to the team at Scottish Development International, particularly John Carlill, MCIEx and Dawn Lamarra, MIEx, for organising a seamless and effective event.
Our distillery team also deserves huge recognition with their dedication ensuring the gardens and distillery looked pristine and welcoming, enhancing the international buyer experience.
FAQs: Exporting Scottish Craft Spirits
Q1: What makes The Secret Garden Distillery unique for international buyers?
A: Our seed-to-sip ethos means every botanical used in our gin is grown, harvested, and distilled with care. This ensures authentic, high-quality spirits that tell the story of our Scottish gardens.
Q2: How do distillery tours help with export opportunities?
A: Tours allow buyers to see the production process and botanical sourcing, building trust and demonstrating sustainability practices that differentiate our brand in international markets.
Q3: Where is The Secret Garden Distillery located?
A: Our distillery and gardens are based in Edinburgh in Scotland, offering a unique visitor experience that combines botanical cultivation, distillation, and tasting.
Q4: Why participate in events like Showcasing Scotland 2026?
A: Events like these provide direct access to global importers and distributors, strengthen brand recognition, and create opportunities for new partnerships in key markets.
Looking Ahead: Continuing Global Growth
Showcasing Scotland 2026 reaffirmed the importance of building strong international relationships and communicating our craft, authenticity, and sustainability values.
With ongoing engagement and export-focused initiatives, The Secret Garden Distillery is poised to expand its presence globally, sharing our Scottish botanical story and premium spirits with new audiences around the world.
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