Edrington is the producer and distributor of global spirits brands, including The Macallan, Brugal, The Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark and Highland Park.
Edrington says that it has increased its brands’ presence in both established and emerging markets and 91% of total sales are now made outside of the UK. During the year the company expanded its international operations with the creation of Edrington Africa in South Africa and has recently announced the creation of new sales, marketing and distribution companies in the US, South East Asia and the Middle East.
Edrington says:
- The Famous Grouse grew sales significantly around the world, becoming the number one Scotch brand by value and volume in the UK and the fourth largest standard Scotch brand in the world. Emerging markets growth was particularly strong, including brand growth of more than 15% in sub Saharan Africa.
- The Macallan is now the No.2 brand by value in malt whisky, having grown its worldwide sales by more than 40% in the last five years, twice the rate of the malt whisky category as a whole.
- Highland Park’s brand profitability increased by 20% over the past 12 months.
- Brugal grew its sales value in the US by 22% over the past 12 months, with significant growth in New York, Boston and Chicago.
- Cutty Sark gained market share in Spain and increased sales in the US for the first time in 23 years.
Edrington chief executive Ian Curle said: “In the face of challenging economic conditions in Southern Europe, our overall strength in both established and emerging markets has resulted in an increase in our turnover, profit and dividend.
"Our financial strength has underpinned significant brand share growth in key markets and this will be further strengthened by the establishment and expansion of distribution activities in the US, South East Asia, the Middle East and Africa, allowing us to bring our premium brands to ever more consumers. The market for premium spirits continues to thrive, which will provide further development and expansion opportunities for Edrington," he said.
"I would like to thank our retiring chairman Sir Ian Good for his 44 years of service, during which time he has transformed Edrington from a small Scottish producer to a premium international spirits company,” said Curle.