NEWS

Expanding into new markets is an exciting step for a beverage brand, but it can also feel daunting. In the past, adapting brand marketing to fit the needs of a new audience often meant needing a colossal marketing budget. Today, technology and digital tools make international marketing more achievable than ever before.  Here’s how your brand can reach new audiences and grow globally without breaking the bank.

The UK drinks market has a lot to offer, known for its craft beers, traditional ciders, and premium gins and whiskies. However, SMEs looking to export globally face challenges. With stiff competition and cultural preferences to consider, it can be hard to know how to stand out. This is why at Cheers Global, we’ve put together a list of strategies for SME UK drinks businesses to differentiate themselves and succeed in international markets.

Expanding your drinks brand into new markets is an exciting endeavour – whether you produce traditional cider, premium ales, quality flavoured gins, or any beverage. But no matter how distinctive or high-quality your product is, international success hinges on one critical factor: finding the right distributor.  

Breaking into the European market offers huge potential for UK drinks brands, from sophisticated consumers and diverse drinking cultures to some of the world’s most influential beverage hubs. However, with opportunity comes complexity.   At Cheers Global, we've helped brands such as Adnams and Healeys navigate this landscape with confidence. If you're considering European alcohol export, here’s what you need to know. 

Having navigated EU exports both before and after Brexit, we’ve seen first-hand how complex and costly trade has become for British drinks businesses; but the UK’s new trade agreement with the EU, signed in May 2025, marks a welcome reset that promises to genuinely benefit British drink exporters.