The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP), in collaboration with event partner PMFTC and 1834 Premium Gin, along with major partner Ayala Corporation, and DAILY TRIBUNE as a media partner, successfully held its annual World Gin Day and 7th Bartending Competition on 26 June 2025 at the Dusit Thani Manila.
The event gathered key stakeholders from the industry to celebrate the growing gin market and the strong ties between the UK and the Philippines.
Seven British distilleries including Eight Lands, G&I Spirit Group Ltd., Masons of Yorkshire, Rock Rose Gin, Spirit of Trent, The Cotswolds and Whitley Neill Gin showcased the innovation and craftsmanship of the UK.
The event also featured premium beverage partners Stretton, Bathtub, High Proof and Martin Miller’s Gin — each having their own booths serving their top-notch products.
Bartending contest
The celebration was followed by the Chamber’s 7th Bartending Competition, which highlighted Filipino mixologists through four skilled competitors named: Roumel Balagao from Ascott BGC, James Geronimo from De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, Glenn Arupo from Dusit Thani, and Jay Callanga from Joy Nostalg Hotel & Suites — who also emerged victorious, demonstrating creativity and technical expertise using premium local gins with a unique British take.
Ron Molina, AVP and marketing manager of Ginebra San Miguel served as the Chamber’s key partner and speaker, emphasizing the collaborative potential between established Filipino brands and innovative British producers.
The celebration reinforces positive market potential with the Philippines’ gin market projected to achieve 3.0 percent annual growth through 2029, and reaching a market volume of $284.1 million.
The global gin market is expected to reach $23.43 billion in 2025, driven by segment expansion and evolving consumer preferences.
The success of the Chamber demonstrates the continued strength of UK-PH economic and trade relations in the premium spirits sector, with significant growth potential for the local market in the coming years.
Said BCCP executive chairman Chris Nelson, “We value this symbolic celebration of the delightful flavors of gin, highlighting its remarkable influence on both culture and commerce around the world, with the Philippines and the United Kingdom standing out as key players in the ever-evolving global gin market.”
