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8 Doors Distillery toasts Scotland’s women entrepreneurship in world-wide whisky exports

From the edge of the Highlands to international markets, 8 Doors Distillery is redefining how women-led Scottish whisky businesses can go global. 

23 June 2026 | 6 minute read

In an industry long shaped by tradition, a new generation of female entrepreneurs is helping to redefine Scotland’s iconic whisky sector. 

Founded in 2022, 8 Doors Distillery is raising a glass to its own exporting success story from John O’Groats. That success is down to Kerry and Derek Campbell. The husband and wife team has created a premium brand to meet global demand for their prestigious Scottish spirits. 

With a turnover increasing significantly and almost a quarter now from exports, the distillery has established an international footprint across Japan, Germany and Singapore, while supporting full-time jobs in rural Scotland.

From John O’Groats to the world stage

Kerry blended her bold ambition with a strong sense of place to build a globally focused business from Scotland’s most northerly mainland location.

Set against the wild, windswept coastline of the Highlands, the distillery draws on both local heritage and modern innovation to produce its Highland Single Malt Whisky. Its unique maritime climate shapes the maturation process, creating a distinct product that embodies its origin: “Whisky. From the Edge.” 

Alongside its future single malt releases, the business has already established a growing presence in the market through its Seven Sons whisky range and award-winning Five Ways blended liqueur.

Scotland’s food and drink sector is internationally recognised, with whisky at its heart. It’s exported to more than 150 countries, forming a major part of the country’s global trade success. Within this landscape, the emergence of women-led businesses is helping to bring fresh perspectives, new audiences and renewed energy to the industry.

The distillery blends local heritage and innovation to produce its Highland Single Malt Whisky

Team Scotland support: local roots to global reach

As part of Scotland’s growing community of female entrepreneurs, Kerry shared her export journey at our Unlocking growth: going global' event in March 2026. 8 Doors Distillery has whetted the discerning palettes of overseas buyers through the family-run brand, and by clever product positioning, for example in stocking its liqueurs within the charm of Edinburgh Castle.

Business growth and export support from key Team Scotland partners have been crucial. This has included assistance from our international team, as well as Highlands and Islands Enterprise. 

Following initial interest from a Japanese distributor, the partners provided due diligence to ensure a strong and sustainable partnership. International in-market support from Japan provided critical guidance on regulatory compliance and labelling, enabling the company to confidently enter the market. 

At the same time, Kerry strengthened her export knowledge through our Preparing to Export programme, building the skills needed to scale internationally.

A pivotal moment came with participation in the Scottish delegation to Expo Osaka in April 2025. This trade mission offered direct access to the Japanese market, from showcasing products to building relationships with buyers and partners. The experience led to a second order shortly afterwards and reinforced the importance of brand storytelling tailored to international audiences.

Accelerating growth through strategy, funding and trade missions

International strategy work, funding, and trade missions have helped shorten timelines, giving the distillery access to opportunities it wouldn’t otherwise have had. Being able to meet people face-to-face and build relationships has also been critical.

As momentum in Japan continues, the business is now investing in market-specific digital content and brand positioning, supported by our International Growth Support (IGS) fund. 

Through our international strategy support and participation in the US Accelerator programme, the founders have gained valuable insight into market dynamics and route-to-market strategies.

Participation in the Spirits Mission in Chicago and Los Angeles provided further exposure, helping to refine the firm's brand and positioning in response to industry feedback. 

Tasting European whisky markets

The business also has a small but growing presence in Germany and is exploring opportunities in the Netherlands and other markets through upcoming showcase events.

Kerry Campbell, Co-founder of 8 Doors Distillery, sums up: “From a growth perspective, the whisky industry can be cyclical. That’s why it’s important to have multiple export markets. If one slows down, you can focus on another. It’s about building a balanced, resilient strategy rather than relying on a single market.”

8 Doors reflects more than the growth of a single distillery. It highlights how women entrepreneurship, combined with targeted international support, is helping to shape the future of Scotland’s globally competitive food and drink sector.

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