The Co-operative Group has got into the “ginaissance” spirit north of the border by adding 10 Scottish gins to its alcoholic drinks offering.

The group has recorded record levels of gin sales over the past 12 months, with market-leading growth of almost 15%.

Wine and spirit merchant Gordon & MacPhail will initially supply more than 60 Co-op food stores across Scotland, with gins that include Porter’s Gin – Aberdeen’s first distilled gin in more than 100 years.

The other are: Pickering’s Gin, Edinburgh; Gordon Castle Gin, Moray; Makar Glasgow Gin; Arbikie Kirsty’s Gin, Arbroath; Caorunn small batch, quadruple-distilled Scottish Gin, Balmenach; Kirkjuvagr Orkney Gin; Edinburgh Gin; Shetland Reel Gin, and Rock Rose Gin, Thurso.

Jonathan Grey, the Co-op’s spirits buyer, said gin was an exciting category with new drinks, flavours and trends emerging and growth for both established brands and new entrants.

“Gin is out-performing the spirit sector and we see significant potential for further sustained growth, in particular for the more diverse, premium and crafted gins which use local, natural botanicals chosen for quality and taste.”

Charlotte Bleasdale, ranging manager for the Co-op in Scotland said food provenance really mattered to its customers and quality and trust were key to them.

“Backing local produce is about much more than just hanging out the bunting and the Co-op is committed to investing in its local communities and providing opportunities to showcase and celebrate great local food and drink.”

Fiona Fullarton, national account manager for Gordon & MacPhail, said the selectin of gins showcased a variety of flavours and styles.

“The gin category continues to enjoy growth and in particular there is strong interest in small niche products. More and more consumers are driven to enjoy quality, crafted products, with a clear story and provenance.”