British holidaymakers planning to escape to Spain for Christmas could struggle to get their favourite drinks at bars, restaurants and supermarkets due to alcohol shortages.

UK gin exports decreased by £100 million in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to new figures from HM Revenue & Customs.

The data also revealed a 25% decline in exports to the EU, which The Gin Guild has pinpointed as a “key element” in the loss.

UK food and drink exports to the European Union almost halved in the first three months of the year, compared with the same period in 2020.

The total value of the UK's gin shipments in 2021 was down by just over US$40m.

Exports of British gin have fallen for the second year running, according to the latest HMRC figures released yesterday.