Award-winning British alcohol brand sold in Tesco goes bust with £195,000 debt

Temie Laleye
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:27:26 +0000

A popular British alcohol brand once stocked on Tesco shelves has collapsed into insolvency after debts spiralled.

The sudden downfall has left customers stunned and raised fresh questions about the pressures facing drinks brands.

White Rhino Gin Company, an award-winning British spirits producer stocked in Tesco stores, has gone bust owing £195,000 to creditors.

The firm behind Urban Rhino Gin entered voluntary liquidation last week after members voted to wind up the business.

The required voting majority was reached on 25 March 2026, triggering the formal dissolution process, according to The Gazette notice.

Allan Cadman and Jessica Barker from Xeinadin Corporate Recovery Limited have been appointed as joint liquidators to handle the winding-up process.

The company’s members passed a special resolution to voluntarily dissolve the business, along with an ordinary resolution confirming the liquidator appointments.

The gin producer was first incorporated in April 2019 with a charitable mission at its core.

From the outset, the company pledged to donate a tenth of its profits to organisations working to protect rhinos.

Its flagship product, Urban Rhino Gin, secured shelf space in Tesco outlets across the country, bringing the conservation-focused brand to mainstream shoppers.

The business model combined premium spirit production with wildlife philanthropy, aiming to channel commercial success into meaningful support for endangered rhino populations.

Despite this distinctive approach and growing retail presence, the company ultimately accumulated debts of £195,000 before members took the decision to cease trading.

The brand earned significant recognition within the spirits industry before its financial troubles emerged.

At the 2023 Gin Masters Competition, White Rhino's premium London Dry Gin claimed a gold medal, marking a notable achievement for the relatively young producer.

The following year brought further accolades when the company received a Great Taste Award in 2024.

These honours helped establish the brand's credentials among discerning gin enthusiasts and raised its profile across the broader beverages sector.

However, such industry recognition proved insufficient to sustain the business, which ultimately succumbed to mounting financial pressures despite its award-winning products and ethical positioning.

White Rhino Gin Company's demise comes amid broader turbulence in the UK drinks industry.

Diageo, the multinational behind Guinness and Smirnoff, implemented price increases from 1 April, citing rising operational costs.

The wholesale price of Guinness Draught rose by 5.2 per cent, adding approximately 4p per pint to list prices.

Given that many pubs are already struggling with rising prices, many will have no choice but to pass this on to customers.

The average price of a pint of Guinness in the UK has already soared to £5.41 this year, according to UK Debt Expert.

This is a 15 per cent increase compared to 2025, when the national average price stood at £4.71.

Smirnoff vodka also saw increases, with 13p added to the standard 70cl bottle.

Meanwhile, Majestic Wine has reportedly begun exploring a potential sale just seven years after Fortress acquired the retailer for £95million.