Latest news with #TheMacallan
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 Herald Scotland
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
The Macallan Scotch whisky owner flags 'hostile' environment
And Edrington highlighted the fact 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. Edrington, which this week completed the sale of The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt brands to William Grant & Sons, reported a 26% fall in pre-tax profits before exceptional items to £274.4m for the year to March 31. Core revenue fell by 10% to £912m, with the group flagging a 'challenging economic environment' and reduced consumer demand in international markets. Edrington said: 'After a period of industry-leading growth, during which the business has grown significantly, this has been a period in which Edrington experienced the full-year impact of reduced consumer demand.' Read more The Scotch Whisky Association reported in February that the overall value of Scotch exports fell by 3.7% to £5.4 billion in 2024. And it observed then that global trading conditions remained 'turbulent' at the beginning of 2025. Edrington said today: 'The decline in sales was broadly consistent across international markets, with exceptions including a resilient performance by Brugal rum in the Dominican Republic and The Macallan in South Korea and Japan. The Macallan 12, 15 and 18-year-old expressions continued to grow in China and the company saw high consumer demand for products launched to celebrate The Macallan's 200th anniversary.' Edrington flagged increased production and employment costs in the context of the 28% fall in core contribution to £291.4m in the year to March 31. Core contribution is defined by Edrington as profits from its branded sales and distribution after the deduction of overheads on a constant-currency basis. Edrington, which also owns The Glenrothes single malt, observed: 'Core contribution was 38% ahead of pre-pandemic levels.' Scott McCroskie, chief executive of Edrington, said: 'After several years of unprecedented growth for premium spirits and industry-leading results posted by Edrington, the business felt the full effect of the global economic downturn during the year. '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.' Edrington's principal shareholder is The Robertson Trust, which has donated £396m to charitable causes in Scotland since 1961. Noting Edrington's completion of its sale of The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt brands to William Grant & Sons on July 1, Mr McCroskie declared: 'This reflects our choice to focus on the premium end of the market, where we are best placed to compete.' He added: 'Looking ahead, the political and economic backdrop remains volatile, which we expect will continue to weigh on consumer sentiment in the coming year. We believe top-line growth will be difficult to come by in this environment, although adjustments to overheads and brand investment are expected to align net sales and core contribution more closely next year. 'Edrington's strategic focus on ultra-premium spirits remains effective. We will continue to execute it to strengthen our brands and our business for the long-term benefit of our investors, our employees, and those who benefit from our own and our principal shareholder's charitable activities.' Edrington employs more than 3,000 people in its wholly owned and joint venture companies, with over half employed outside the UK. It distributes its brands to more than 100 countries.
Daily Record
11-06-2025
- Daily Record
Scotland's best whisky distilleries 'to visit this summer' named by National Geographic
There is no time like the present to book a tour of a distillery. The top whisky distilleries in Scotland "to visit this summer" have been crowned by National Geographic. Distilleries in Perthshire, Moray, and more were named. Scotland is world-famous for its whisky, and many of its distilleries date back hundreds of years. Whether you consider yourself a whisky fan or not, a tour of a distillery is fascinating and makes for a great afternoon activity. On Tuesday, June 10, National Geographic published a round-up detailing the best Scottish distilleries for a day out during the summer season, with a total of six distilleries featured. Placing at number one on National Geographic's list is the Deanston Distillery in the Perthshire burgh of Doune. It was constructed in 1785 as Adelphi Cotton Mill and first opened its doors as a distillery in 1966. Deanston Distillery was praised by National Geographic for being "one of the greenest scotch brands around". It also singled out the distillery's Warehouse No 4 experience, which allows visitors to sample exclusive whiskies that have been extracted directly from the cask. National Geographic wrote: "The place still hums with hydropower: one of the greenest scotch brands around, the whisky here is made from organic grain sourced from local farmers. Book the Warehouse No 4 experience, in Deanston's former cooperage, for direct-from-cask tastings and an atmospheric whisky-ageing education." Following behind in second place on the experts' list is The Macallan in Moray. Situated at the heart of The Macallan Estate, the award-winning distillery offers a number of different experiences to visitors. National Geographic singled out The Macallan for its modern and stylish aesthetic, as well as its central bar where visitors can enjoy drams that go back 80 years. It also praised the various experiences on offer, singling out the distillery's food offerings at its TimeSpirit venue. The experts stated: "Within cathedral-height interiors, an interactive archive showcases 200 years of whisky-making heritage and limited-edition bottles, which resemble artworks. The central bar serves drams dating back 80 years, classic cocktails and tutored tastings—The Story of Oak, for instance, compares how sherry-seasoned casks impart Macallan's signature notes of dried fruits, ginger and cinnamon. "Its culinary credentials are also next level: the team have collaborated with Spain's three-Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca at its fine-dining restaurant TimeSpirit, and The Macallan Mastery Experience tour concludes with a six-course tasting menu here." Elsewhere, National Geographic named Port Ellen on Islay as the third-best distillery in Scotland to visit this summer. Islay is known as Scotland's 'whisky island' due to its high number of distilleries, with Port Ellen reopening its doors in 2024 after being closed since 1983. Port Ellen Reborn is the distillery's main visitor experience. Lasting 90 minutes, it consists of an exclusive tour of its production process and ends with a tasting of a rare historic release. The legendary Talisker distillery on the Isle of Skye placed fourth on National Geographic's list. The oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye, it offers everything from standards tours and tastings to its immersive 'Talisker Made By The Sea Tasting Experience'. Rounding out the experts' Scottish picks are Springbank on the Kintyre peninsula and Auchentoshan in Clydebank, placing fifth and sixth respectively. National Geographic praised Springbank's Barley to Bottle experience, which allows visitors to create their own personal bottle, and applauded Auchentoshan for its comprehensive tour. See below for National Geographic's picks of the top six whisky distilleries in Scotland to visit this summer. More information can be found on the National Geographic website. Deanston Distillery, Perthshire The Macallan, Moray Port Ellen, Islay Talisker, Isle of Skye Springbank, Kintyre peninsula Auchentoshan, Clydebank
Cision Canada
10-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
The Macallan Reimagines Packaging for Timeless Collections
New design inspired by The Macallan Estate and crafted to reflect the legacy and future of the brand TORONTO, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - The Macallan, renowned for its extraordinary single malt Scotch whiskies, has unveiled a striking new visual identity for its Timeless Collections: Double Cask, Sherry Oak, and Colour Collection. Blending 200 years of heritage with a forward-looking vision, the refreshed packaging reflects The Macallan's enduring dedication to craftsmanship, storytelling, and timeless design. While its package design has evolved, the whisky remains unchanged – delivering the same unmistakable taste, balance, and elegance that have always defined The Macallan. "The Macallan has never stood still and never will. This distinctive new identity offers a multitude of visual cues to tell our story, from the sherry seasoning, to the American and European oak casks which contribute to the complex taste and flavour profiles in every bottle of The Macallan," says Jaume Ferras, Creative Director at The Macallan. Rooted in two centuries of whisky mastery, the new packaging – designed by famed graphic designer and frequent creative collaborator with The Macallan, David Carson – brings The Macallan's heritage and innovation together, evoking the architectural silhouette of The Macallan Estate in Speyside, Scotland. Evocative New Vision David Carson's distinctive artistic lens helped bring the brand's ethos of tradition and progress to life. His interpretation draws on natural forms, architectural details, and the meeting of sherry wine and oak – foundational elements of The Macallan's incomparable character. The Macallan's redesigned look introduces thoughtful new elements: The Macallan Distillery's distinctive profile, with its sweeping green roof, informed the new bottle design, showcasing a direct connection between the packaging and The Macallan Estate. The triangular shoulder label links the newly designed Collections with the old, and represents Spain's Sherry Triangle – the Andalusian region famed for its sherry wine production, and the source of The Macallan's exceptional sherry seasoned oak casks, which influence the entirely natural colour and flavour of all three Collections. Rear label designs incorporate a new cask type symbol, bringing the tasting notes to life while highlighting the contribution of flavour and aroma imbued from American and European oak casks. Enhanced consumer engagement through continued investment in world-leading anti-counterfeit technology to provide greater traceability, while also providing further insight into the expression through a unique QR code. Three Timeless Collections, One Distinct Signature Grounded in oak and shaped by sherry, each of the three Collections showcases a different expression of The Macallan's signature character. Double Cask Collection: A harmonious marriage of American and European oak casks, seasoned with sherry wine from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, delivering notes of fresh fruit, creamy toffee, and soft spice. Sherry Oak Collection: Matured exclusively in sherry-seasoned European oak casks, this collection offers deep, complex flavour with dried fruit, wood spice, and ginger that intensifies with age. Colour Collection: Reflecting the natural spectrum of golden hues found in The Macallan's whisky, this American oak-led series features vibrant notes of citrus, vanilla, and tropical fruit. The Macallan's global reimagining reflects a new chapter in its visual identity, and signals its continued commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and storytelling. The Macallan Double Cask and Sherry Oak Collections will be available at select retailers across Canada starting this summer. The Macallan Colour Collection will be available in global travel retail. For more information, please visit About The Macallan The Macallan is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single-malt whiskies. Two centuries have passed since Alexander Reid, founder of The Macallan, distilled the first batch of whisky in his curiously small stills in Speyside, Scotland, in 1824, beginning the extraordinary legacy of the single malt Scotch whisky. An obsession with quality and craftsmanship is the hallmark of The Macallan. The outstanding quality and distinctive character of each whisky is influenced by exceptional oak casks seasoned with sherry wine - a commitment to natural colour underpinned by mastery. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects, The Macallan Distillery is located on a beautiful 485-acre Estate and takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills. The past 200 years have been a prologue for everything that is still to come. This is a journey through time. This is The Macallan, 200 Years Young. Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly. For further information visit and become a member of The Macallan Society to explore the stories behind the whiskies. About Edrington Edrington's vision is to give more by crafting exceptional ultra-premium spirit brands. The Macallan is our central focus, supported by Highland Park and The Glenrothes in the fast-growing single malt category and Naked Malt in the blended malt category. Our portfolio is completed with Brugal premium rum from the Dominican Republic, The Famous Grouse Blended Scotch Whisky, and Wyoming Whiskey in the American Whiskey category. Edrington also has a strategic partnership with No.3 London Dry Gin. Edrington is headquartered in Scotland and employs over 3,300 people in its wholly owned and joint venture companies, with over half employed outside the UK. We own our route to market in 16 countries and distribute our brands to more than 100 countries around the world through joint ventures and third-party agreements. Edrington's principal shareholder is The Robertson Trust, which has donated £367 million to charitable causes in Scotland since 1961. Our business is underpinned by the Edrington values of giving, respect, integrity and excellence. For more information, please visit About Suntory Global Spirits As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker's Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails. A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company's Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit and
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Macallan Reimagines Packaging for Timeless Collections
New design inspired by The Macallan Estate and crafted to reflect the legacy and future of the brand TORONTO, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - The Macallan, renowned for its extraordinary single malt Scotch whiskies, has unveiled a striking new visual identity for its Timeless Collections: Double Cask, Sherry Oak, and Colour Collection. Blending 200 years of heritage with a forward-looking vision, the refreshed packaging reflects The Macallan's enduring dedication to craftsmanship, storytelling, and timeless design. While its package design has evolved, the whisky remains unchanged – delivering the same unmistakable taste, balance, and elegance that have always defined The Macallan. "The Macallan has never stood still and never will. This distinctive new identity offers a multitude of visual cues to tell our story, from the sherry seasoning, to the American and European oak casks which contribute to the complex taste and flavour profiles in every bottle of The Macallan," says Jaume Ferras, Creative Director at The Macallan. Rooted in two centuries of whisky mastery, the new packaging – designed by famed graphic designer and frequent creative collaborator with The Macallan, David Carson – brings The Macallan's heritage and innovation together, evoking the architectural silhouette of The Macallan Estate in Speyside, Scotland. Evocative New VisionDavid Carson's distinctive artistic lens helped bring the brand's ethos of tradition and progress to life. His interpretation draws on natural forms, architectural details, and the meeting of sherry wine and oak – foundational elements of The Macallan's incomparable character. The Macallan's redesigned look introduces thoughtful new elements: The Macallan Distillery's distinctive profile, with its sweeping green roof, informed the new bottle design, showcasing a direct connection between the packaging and The Macallan Estate. The triangular shoulder label links the newly designed Collections with the old, and represents Spain's Sherry Triangle – the Andalusian region famed for its sherry wine production, and the source of The Macallan's exceptional sherry seasoned oak casks, which influence the entirely natural colour and flavour of all three Collections. Rear label designs incorporate a new cask type symbol, bringing the tasting notes to life while highlighting the contribution of flavour and aroma imbued from American and European oak casks. Enhanced consumer engagement through continued investment in world-leading anti-counterfeit technology to provide greater traceability, while also providing further insight into the expression through a unique QR code. Three Timeless Collections, One Distinct SignatureGrounded in oak and shaped by sherry, each of the three Collections showcases a different expression of The Macallan's signature character. Double Cask Collection: A harmonious marriage of American and European oak casks, seasoned with sherry wine from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, delivering notes of fresh fruit, creamy toffee, and soft spice. Sherry Oak Collection: Matured exclusively in sherry-seasoned European oak casks, this collection offers deep, complex flavour with dried fruit, wood spice, and ginger that intensifies with age. Colour Collection: Reflecting the natural spectrum of golden hues found in The Macallan's whisky, this American oak-led series features vibrant notes of citrus, vanilla, and tropical fruit. The Macallan's global reimagining reflects a new chapter in its visual identity, and signals its continued commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and storytelling. The Macallan Double Cask and Sherry Oak Collections will be available at select retailers across Canada starting this summer. The Macallan Colour Collection will be available in global travel retail. For more information, please visit About The Macallan The Macallan is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single-malt whiskies. Two centuries have passed since Alexander Reid, founder of The Macallan, distilled the first batch of whisky in his curiously small stills in Speyside, Scotland, in 1824, beginning the extraordinary legacy of the single malt Scotch whisky. An obsession with quality and craftsmanship is the hallmark of The Macallan. The outstanding quality and distinctive character of each whisky is influenced by exceptional oak casks seasoned with sherry wine - a commitment to natural colour underpinned by mastery. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects, The Macallan Distillery is located on a beautiful 485-acre Estate and takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills. The past 200 years have been a prologue for everything that is still to come. This is a journey through time. This is The Macallan, 200 Years Young. Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly. For further information visit and become a member of The Macallan Society to explore the stories behind the whiskies. About Edrington Edrington's vision is to give more by crafting exceptional ultra-premium spirit brands. The Macallan is our central focus, supported by Highland Park and The Glenrothes in the fast-growing single malt category and Naked Malt in the blended malt category. Our portfolio is completed with Brugal premium rum from the Dominican Republic, The Famous Grouse Blended Scotch Whisky, and Wyoming Whiskey in the American Whiskey category. Edrington also has a strategic partnership with No.3 London Dry Gin. Edrington is headquartered in Scotland and employs over 3,300 people in its wholly owned and joint venture companies, with over half employed outside the UK. We own our route to market in 16 countries and distribute our brands to more than 100 countries around the world through joint ventures and third-party agreements. Edrington's principal shareholder is The Robertson Trust, which has donated £367 million to charitable causes in Scotland since 1961. Our business is underpinned by the Edrington values of giving, respect, integrity and excellence. For more information, please visit About Suntory Global Spirits As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker's Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails. A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company's Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit and SOURCE Edrington View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
