EDINBURGH-based Pickering's Gin has opened established export markets in Hong Kong, Canada and various countries around mainland Europe.

The company, which last year became the first gin distillery to launch in the city in 150 years, has exported batches of all three of its varieties to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg and The Netherlands. Pallets will arrive in Canada and Hong Kong shortly, while Australia and New Zealand arealso in the distillers' sights.

Marcus Pickering, who founded the distillery with Matt Gammell, said: “We are delighted that we are exporting Pickering’s Gin to some of the key global gin markets. It is testament to the quality of our products that there has been such an interest and demand for our premium gins.”