Latest news with #Glenfiddich
The Herald Scotland
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scotch whisky sector 'historic moment' as major deal done
This deal was first announced back in September 2024. While this is more than nine months ago, the timeframe over which the transaction was finalised is relatively insignificant in the context of how long these two heavyweight distillers have been around. And completion of the deal was probably, if anything, faster than some might have expected. Last week's completion of the deal, to which the Competition and Markets Authority gave the green light in early March, gave Edrington and William Grant & Sons another opportunity to flag the strategic rationale from each of their perspectives. William Grant & Sons talked about an evolution of The Famous Grouse 'into a true global icon'. Edrington, flagging the success of The Macallan single malt in which it has invested very heavily in recent years, highlighted its focus on ultra-premium spirits. Two decades ago, it would probably have been almost inconceivable that Edrington would choose to sell The Famous Grouse blended Scotch whisky, a brand famous for its quirky television adverts and at that time the shirt sponsor for the Scotland national rugby union team. However, in recent years, the prominence of The Famous Grouse in Edrington's results statements had diminished as the group, which also owns Highland Park and The Glenrothes, focused ever more on the successes achieved with its single malts and notably on The Macallan. Read more That meant, by the time the sale of The Famous Grouse was announced last September, it was not a huge surprise even if it was obviously a very major development in a sector that is so important to the Scottish economy and to the exports of both Scotland and the UK as a whole. William Grant & Sons, when the deal was completed last Tuesday, hailed the acquisition as a 'historic moment' for it. This is a company that was founded in 1887, at Dufftown in Speyside, so there is surely a high bar to what constitutes 'historic' for it. The distiller, which owns the Glenfiddich single malt, declared the completion of The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt deal 'demonstrates the company's commitment to the global Scotch whisky category and confidence in the future of the wider spirits industry'. William Grant & Sons, which also produces Hendrick's gin and has a major operation at Girvan in Ayrshire, added: 'The Famous Grouse is Scotland's best-selling whisky and one of the top-selling Scotch whisky brands worldwide, renowned for its quality and heritage.' Søren Hagh, chief executive officer of William Grant & Sons, said he was 'delighted to complete this acquisition and welcome The Famous Grouse into our portfolio'. He described it as 'a remarkable Scottish brand with rich history and a strong market position in a number of countries'. Mr Hagh added: 'Over the coming years, we will build on this strong foundation and work to evolve the brand into a true global icon. We also see a lot of potential in Naked Malt, which will be a great addition to our portfolio. Together, these brands perfectly complement our vision for growth, and we look forward to investing in their future and sharing their stories with whisky lovers around the world.' For his part, Edrington chief executive Scott McCroskie declared: 'Our focus on ultra-premium spirits has driven Edrington's growth in recent years and we have continued to execute our strategy despite the hostile trading environment. This includes further strategic investments in our sherry cask supply chain and in reducing our carbon footprint.' Read more He made these comments as Edrington reported a sharp fall in profits for the year to March. However, it is crucial to put this in context. The Scotch whisky sector has faced much tougher trading conditions in some key export markets of late. And we must not lose sight of Edrington's stellar growth over a long period. Furthermore, Edrington was able to report last week that The Macallan had 'marked a successful 200th anniversary year and recorded its second-highest year ever for sales, reinforcing its position as the world's number one single malt Scotch whisky by value'. The Glasgow-based distiller flagged The Macallan's strength in the Japanese and South Korean markets. And, providing crucial medium-term context, it highlighted the fact that its 'core contribution' measure of profits in the year to March 31 was, in spite of a 28% fall during the period, still 38% ahead of pre-pandemic levels, at £291.4m. Scotch whisky is of course, as William Grant & Sons and Edrington know fine well, a long-term business. Edrington's principal shareholder is The Robertson Trust, which has donated £396m to charitable causes in Scotland since 1961. William Grant & Sons, like Edrington, has also been able to make sizeable charitable contributions over a long period of time. During 2023 alone, the family-led William Grant Foundation awarded a record total of more than £4.7m in new grants to 114 charitable organisations. Both Edrington and William Grant & Sons make crucial contributions to Scotland's economy and provide a great deal of valuable employment. Hopefully, both will continue to prosper over the years and decades ahead as they navigate boom times and tougher periods in international markets as they always have, never losing a long-term perspective that is supported and enabled by their private ownership.
The National
01-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Scotch whisky giant announces acquisition of The Famous Grouse
William Grant & Sons, who produce Glenfiddich as well as the best-selling blended whisky which bears the family name, said on Tuesday that they had added The Famous Grouse blended whisky to their portfolio. William Grant & Sons also purchased the Naked Malt brand from The 1887 Company. It comes after the UK Competition and Markets Authority cleared the sale in March. Announcing the acquisition, William Grant & Sons said it demonstrates 'the company's commitment to the global Scotch whisky category and confidence in the future of the wider spirits industry'. READ MORE: 200-year-old Highland distillery's whisky available first time in US William Grant & Sons also produce The Balvenie single malt whisky, Monkey Shoulder blended whisky, Sailor Jerry spiced rum, and Hendrick's Gin. The firm said that The Famous Grouse is Scotland's best-selling whisky and one of the top-selling Scotch whisky brands worldwide, while Naked Malt has 'garnered a loyal following among whisky enthusiasts and has significant growth potential within the blended malt segment'. Soren Hagh, the chief executive officer of William Grant & Sons, said: 'I am delighted to complete this acquisition and welcome The Famous Grouse into our portfolio. 'It is a remarkable Scottish brand with rich history and a strong market position in a number of countries. 'Over the coming years, we will build on this strong foundation and work to evolve the brand into a true global icon. 'We also see a lot of potential in Naked Malt, which will be a great addition to our portfolio. 'Together, these brands perfectly complement our vision for growth, and we look forward to investing in their future and sharing their stories with whisky lovers around the world.'
Scotsman
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Vodafone joins forces with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo as new Presenting Partner
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has today announced Vodafone as its new Presenting Partner, marking the beginning of an exciting partnership that stems from shared values and a commitment to supporting military and local communities. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has today announced Vodafone as its new Presenting Partner, marking the beginning of an exciting partnership that stems from shared values and a commitment to supporting military and local communities. Joining Glenfiddich, Innis & Gunn and Pentland Land Rover, this partnership marks a significant milestone for Vodafone as it continues to strengthen its presence in Scotland and deepen its relationships with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and other key stakeholders. It also showcases the Tattoo's evolution and commitment to future proofing the annual event. Highlighting their dedication to engaging with local and military audiences which are two key groups that are central to the organisations mission and values. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad To celebrate, Vodafone is extending a unique opportunity for EH postcode residents and UK Military personnel to take advantage of a 25% discount on tickets for the 6:15pm performance on Friday, August 22. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Celebrating 75 years of the Tattoo, the 2025 Show The Heroes Who Made Us promises a breathtaking display of music, lights, and precision. Fans will witness the moving and passionate songs from the Ukrainian Community Choirs, exhilarating and visually stunning carnival drums of Top Secret Drum Corps from Switzerland and the military precision and excellence of the Paris Port Dover Pipes and Drums who have been hailed as proud ambassadors of the cultural diversity of their homeland, Canada. Jason Barrett, CEO of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, expressed his enthusiasm: 'We are thrilled to welcome Vodafone UK as our new presenting partner. Their dedication to security and their cultural commitments align perfectly with our values. This partnership allows us to offer something special to our local and military audiences. By working together, we can provide exclusive benefits that honour and celebrate these key communities.' Scotland remains an important market for Vodafone as it looks to extend its 5G standalone coverage across 99% of the UK population by 2034. The expansion of 5G services is crucial for driving innovation, economic growth, and connectivity in both urban and rural communities, ensuring that Scotland remains at the forefront of digital development. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Steve Knibbs, Director, Vodafone Business Security Enhanced, Vodafone Business UK commented: 'We're incredibly proud to partner with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – a globally renowned event that celebrates excellence, connection, and tradition. This partnership gives us a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our ties with the MOD and public sector, as well as deepen our engagement in Scotland. It also enables us to demonstrate the value of Vodafone's secure communications and technology solutions to customers and stakeholders alike.' By offering exclusive discounts and creating tailored experiences, the Show continues to aim to honour and give back to vital communities who are at the heart of the event. This partnership not only reinforces their dedication to these key groups but also strengthens their connection with them, ensuring the Tattoo remains an inclusive and cherished tradition for all. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to witness The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at a discounted rate. Tickets for EH postcode holders and Military personnel will be available to purchase tickets for the 6:15 performance on Friday, August 22 here.
Scotsman
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Vodafone joins forces with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo as new Presenting Partner
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has today announced Vodafone as its new Presenting Partner, marking the beginning of an exciting partnership that stems from shared values and a commitment to supporting military and local communities. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has today announced Vodafone as its new Presenting Partner, marking the beginning of an exciting partnership that stems from shared values and a commitment to supporting military and local communities. Joining Glenfiddich, Innis & Gunn and Pentland Land Rover, this partnership marks a significant milestone for Vodafone as it continues to strengthen its presence in Scotland and deepen its relationships with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and other key stakeholders. It also showcases the Tattoo's evolution and commitment to future proofing the annual event. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Highlighting their dedication to engaging with local and military audiences which are two key groups that are central to the organisations mission and values. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo To celebrate, Vodafone is extending a unique opportunity for EH postcode residents and UK Military personnel to take advantage of a 25% discount on tickets for the 6:15pm performance on Friday, August 22. Celebrating 75 years of the Tattoo, the 2025 Show The Heroes Who Made Us promises a breathtaking display of music, lights, and precision. Fans will witness the moving and passionate songs from the Ukrainian Community Choirs, exhilarating and visually stunning carnival drums of Top Secret Drum Corps from Switzerland and the military precision and excellence of the Paris Port Dover Pipes and Drums who have been hailed as proud ambassadors of the cultural diversity of their homeland, Canada. Jason Barrett, CEO of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, expressed his enthusiasm: 'We are thrilled to welcome Vodafone UK as our new presenting partner. Their dedication to security and their cultural commitments align perfectly with our values. This partnership allows us to offer something special to our local and military audiences. By working together, we can provide exclusive benefits that honour and celebrate these key communities.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scotland remains an important market for Vodafone as it looks to extend its 5G standalone coverage across 99% of the UK population by 2034. The expansion of 5G services is crucial for driving innovation, economic growth, and connectivity in both urban and rural communities, ensuring that Scotland remains at the forefront of digital development. Steve Knibbs, Director, Vodafone Business Security Enhanced, Vodafone Business UK commented: 'We're incredibly proud to partner with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – a globally re This partnership gives us a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our ties with the MOD and public sector, as well as deepen our engagement in Scotland. It also enables us to demonstrate the value of Vodafone's secure communications and technology solutions to customers and stakeholders alike.' By offering exclusive discounts and creating tailored experiences, the Show continues to aim to honour and give back to vital communities who are at the heart of the event. This partnership not only reinforces their dedication to these key groups but also strengthens their connection with them, ensuring the Tattoo remains an inclusive and cherished tradition for all. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Economic Times
22-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
As Indians choose premium spirits, cork makers pop the champagne
TIL Creatives Representative AI Image Mumbai: From Indian single malts and scotch to sparkling wines and cognac, the country's spirits premiumisation drive has a strong connection with the province of Ribatejo, around 80 km east of Lisbon, Portugal. After all, Portugal produces two-thirds of all processed cork products in the world and is also the home to Corticeira Amorim, the world's largest cork manufacturer. While most global companies, including Diageo and Pernod Ricard, have been using wooden stoppers-made from the bark of cork oak trees-for their scotch and premium brands, the Indian market really uncorked after the rise in Indian single malt as well as focus on premium gin and vodka. Numbers bear witness: Corticeira Amorim, which accounts for 70% of the global market share for cork stoppers, said India is among the top 3 priority markets for them after its sales in the country nearly tripled to 10 million cork stoppers in 2025 compared to three million in the pandemic year. "India is one of the largest spirits markets in the world and there is clearly a market potential of premiumisation, which means India can do very well even on the international scene. We will have a role to play in a very important and fast growing spirit market," Antonio Rios de Amorim, chairman of the over 150-year old firm Corticeira Amorim, told ET in an exclusive interaction. "When you start getting the confidence that you are producing quality spirits at world-class level, we see the usage of cork for a premium image."It takes each cork oak bark 25 years before it can be stripped for the first time and an average of over 40 years before the tree starts producing cork that can be used commercially. As a result, it will be a long way for India to use locally produced corks despite the country selling over 400 million cases of spirits every year and is the world's biggest whiskey market, said Amorim, who partnered Spiritual Luxury Living for its India marketing and distribution a decade ago. "The companies in India need everything to be cost-effective in order and we need to be innovative to service the local brand. A lot of requirements and a lot of ideas on innovation from the Indian market can be very very fruitful for us not only for Indians but also for the market worldwide. So this is inspiring because the market is very dynamic and we as a global player cannot be missing out," Amorim the Covid-19 pandemic, between 2020 and 2024, Indians hit a new high with top-shelf brands such as Johnnie Walker, Glenfiddich and Dewar's. Scotch sales doubled while Irish whiskey grew five times, Japanese whisky six-fold and American whiskey three times. Several home-grown single malts and other spirits have also entered the market to cash in on a premiumisation trend among Indian said cork is the preferred stopper, from premium through to super-premium spirits, especially as single malt Scotch whiskies from Glenlivet, Macallan, Glenfiddich and Laphroaig - consistently use cork capsulated stoppers. "Historically, luxury and imported whiskey and wines have used wooden cork stoppers creating a perception that any product with cork is premium. When Indian manufacturers started creating high-end and quality products, the packaging needed to match the liquid inside the bottle. And wooden cork can clearly create the perception of premium and is a differentiator from products using cheaper plastic, synthetic or metal caps," said Amar Sinha, chief operating officer at Radico Khaitan that uses cork for brands such as Jaisalmer gin, Sangam and Ranthambore whiskey. Amrut was among the first Indian single malt brand to use the wooden cork stoppers way back in early 200s, but the market recently saw malts by Piccadily Agro that sells Indri and international players including Pernod Ricard and Diageo adding Indian brands such as Longitude 77 and Godawan, helping growth the segment.
