Destileria Limtuaco showcases their award-winning craft spirits at WSTA Annual Conference 2017.

London, United Kingdom – Craft spirits from the Philippines took center stage when Destileria Limtuaco joined the Philippine Trade and Investment Center – London at the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) Annual Conference 2017 on 12 September at the Royal Institution of Great Britain.

The oldest distillery in the Philippines presented their line of craft spirits at the Showcase Opportunity of the largest annual conference of the UK wine and spirits industry.  Guests were treated to authentic flavors from the Philippines through cocktails featuring Manille Liqueur de Calamansi (Philippine lime), Manille Liqueur de Dalandan (Philippine orange), Paradise Mango Rum, highlighting the distinct flavors of the Philippine mango, the Amadeo Coffee Liqueur, made with four kinds of native coffee beans, and the Very Old Captain Rum sweetened by the finest molasses from the Philippines.

Destileria Limtuaco & Co. is an institution in the Philippines.  Benny Aw, the company’s Senior Vice President, described it as a quality leader in the Philippine distilled spirits industry. “The company is also known for its innovation in products, processes and systems, and this has enabled the company to export its craft spirits and other brands throughout Asia and the US,” he said.

Brand Development Manager Aaron Aw added that Destileria Limtuaco has always wanted to expand to the UK because it is a good market for rums.  “However, we didn’t have the opportunity until very recently, with the kind assistance of Commercial Counsellor Michelle Sanchez of the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre in the UK.  She broached the idea of presenting our line of Philippine craft spirits to the UK market and the perfect event to do it was at the Wines and Spirits Trade Association 2017 Annual Conference where the key players in the UK distilled spirits industry would be,“ he added.  Coming to showcase at the event, he said, “We took it as an opportunity to gauge the acceptability and appreciation of the UK market for our Philippine craft spirits.”

THE CONFERENCE

The WSTA represents more than 300 companies which export, import and sell wine and spirits across the United Kingdom.  WSTA Chief Executive Miles Beale launched the association’s five-year strategic plan at the conference.

“The British wine and spirits industry is under-appreciated and over-taxed,” Beale said. He reiterated that WSTA continues to work for its members and stressed that collaboration with partners across the alcohol industry, government, and European and international partners is essential.

Miles Beale discusses the four pillars of WSTA’s five-year strategic plan.

Lord Price CVO, former Minister of State for Trade, and JD Wetherspoon Chairman Tim Martin also spoke at the event. Both speakers shared their insights as the industry faces the perceived challenges of Brexit.

Lord Price CVO put on the spotlight as he answers questions from his recent stint in government.

Tim Martin shares his insights with much pragmatism and candor during the Q&

The conference ended with a panel comprised of Sir Simon Fraser, Managing Partner of Flint Global, and Miriam González Durántez, Partner at Dechert LLP, who joined Martin at the stage.

The panellists engaged in lively debate as they presented their respective insights on Brexit

THE SHOWCASE

Destileria Limtuaco’s craft spirits and colourful stall draw attention at The Showcase

Destileria Limtuaco is the first Filipino company to showcase at the WSTA event, which serves as an exclusive networking platform. The conference attracts around 200 decision makers from the wine and spirit industry. “The showcase is a chance for members and selected non-members to exhibit their brand and products,” according to WSTA.

The attendees, which included the industry’s top buyers and distributors, were able to sample different kinds of wines, rum, gin and vodka from the featured companies.  

Aaron Aw said that the feedback they got from the presentation and tasting activity was “very encouraging,” adding that the tropical flavours and packaging were very well-appreciated. “We see very good potential for our products in the UK market especially since we have something uniquely Filipino to offer that other countries don’t have. Our craft spirits would certainly make a great addition to the cocktail culture in the UK and will add excitement to the drinking public,” he said.

WSTA Chief Executive Miles Beale speaks with Mr Benito Aw, Destileria Limtuaco’s Senior Vice President.

JD Wetherspoon Chairman Tim Martin samples Destileria’s craft spirits

Tim Martin with Destileria Limtuaco’s Benny and Aaron Aw, and Michelle Sanchez of PTIC London

For import and distributorship interest and more information about Destileria Limtuaco, please contact PTIC-London at london@dti.gov.ph ♦