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30
Nov
2003 |
Whisky's
reputation 'under threat'
A decision by drinks giant Diageo to change the composition
of the famous Cardhu malt has caused waves of protest around the world.
Diageo's
global brand director told BBC Scotland News Online that the implications
of the move had been distorted and over-dramatised.
However,
rival whisky maker William Grant & Sons, whose products include
Glenfiddich and The Balvenie, claims the industry's reputation is
being damaged.
Its
deputy group managing director tells us why...
Click
here for full story
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
30
Nov
2003 |
European
probe launched into Diageo dispute
THE row engulfing the Scotch whisky industry has intensified
even further, after it emerged that the European Commission is set
to investigate Diageos decision to turn its Cardhu single malt
into a blend of five different malts.
The EC will examine the matter after receiving a letter of objection
to Diageos move from European Parliament president Pat Cox.
It will investigate whether Diageos decision to alter its Cardhu
product without making noticeable changes to the whiskys packaging
constitutes an infringement of internal market or consumer protection
regulations...
Click
here for full story
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
30
Nov
2003 |
Tourist
drive brings malt out of mothballs
WHISKY from a distillery once mothballed will go on sale
later this year as part of a plan to create a new tourist attraction
in rural Perthshire.
A few thousand cases of Tullibardine whisky will be placed on the
market over the next few months following a label and carton redesign
by Wolffe & Co, the Edinburgh consultancy.
Tullibardine distillery, near Gleneagles, was sold by the drinks group
Whyte & Mackay to a Scottish consortium earlier this year. Jim
Beam Brands, Whyte & Mackays predecessor, stopped production
at the site in 1994.
Doug Ross, one of Tullibardines directors, said sales of spirit
distilled in 1993 would increase gradually over the next 10 years.
It will be priced as a mid-market malt at around £23 a bottle.
Ross said: "Rather than have to find distributors, we plan to
sell it through upmarket outlets such as quality hotels."
£10m visitor centre will provide distillery tours, shops and
a restaurant
The new-look bottle should be in a limited number of shops and bars
by Christmas. Michael Beamish, another director, said the previous
packaging had looked "generic" and that the new label conveyed
more individuality. Whisky made this year has to be aged for 10 years
and so will not be available until 2013.
The company plans to produce about 100,000 litres a year, putting
it on a level with smaller distilleries such as Edradour, which is
also in Perthshire.
Customers will be able to pay up front for individual casks containing
the equivalent of about 360 bottles.
Ross estimated a few hundred casks would be sold, generating about
£160,000.
He said: "We have not been forced into doing this to survive.
It is to meet demand from the public and aficionados. If you view
[buying a cask] as an investment, it might not make sense, but people
like the idea."
In the meantime, Tullibardine plans to generate cash by building a
£10m tourism attraction and retail centre at the site, which
is close to the busy A9 Stirling-to-Perth road.
The 50,000sq ft centre will provide distillery tours and a related
exhibition, as well as a restaurant and retail centre including a
Baxters food shop.
It aims to attract 250,000 customers a year. Plans are in the process
of being drawn up by 442 Design, the Edinburgh agency.
Tullibardine is one of a number of small distilleries which have been
reopened or built from scratch over the past 10 years, including Ladybank
in Fife and Blackwood in Shetland.
The company is part of the industry majority which has criticised
drinks group Diageos plan to sell a mixture of malt whiskies
under the Cardhu brand name.
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
29
Nov
2003 |
Whiskies
galore
The story of how an old neglected Islay distillery was
rescued and revived by a team of young private investors a couple
of years ago is now familiar to whisky lovers. The new owners of Bruichladdich
on the shores of Loch Indaal now call themselves the free spirits
and "enfant terribles" of the whisky world. Id call
them todays heroes; a high-spirited team of Davids fighting
against a world of corporate Goliaths. The latest rash of "Laddie"
bottlings are some of the best on the malt shelf today - ideal for
celebrating St Andrews Day tomorrow...
Click
here for full story
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
27
Nov
2003 |
Pure
malt row sees Diageo frozen out
WHEN Diageo sits down next week with members of the Scotch
Whisky Association (SWA) to defend its decision to brand Cardhu as
a "pure" rather than "single" malt, it will find
itself completely isolated.
The Scotsman has learned that the executive of the SWA has told Diageo
that it feels the only solution to the present crisis is for the worlds
biggest drinks company to withdraw its controversial Cardhu Pure Malt
product.
The Scotch whisky industry has been angered by Diageos decision
to sell the whisky in the same style of bottle and with the name of
its Speyside distillery on the label. Distillers claim the decision
could damage the industry and confuse drinkers into thinking Cardhu
was still a single malt, rather than a blend...
Click
here for full story
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
26
Nov
2003 |
Whisky
market
The whisky industry spends around £90 million a
year with Scottish cereal suppliers, and uses about half of all the
cereals grown in Scotland. The suggestion by ET Baxter (Letters, 22
November) that distillers have "halved the price they pay"
for barley ignores the reality of movements in world prices, and the
fact that growers contracts are generally with malting companies,
not distillers.
The suggestion that a higher price paid by distillers for barley would
cost the industry just a few pence a bottle ignores the highly competitive
nature of the international drinks market in which whisky operates,
and the fact that the majority of the retail price is tax, not money
going to distillers.
Many distillers already buy all their barley from Scottish sources,
and often do so while paying a premium to ensure continuity of supply
under branded contracts. But, given the vagaries of the weather it
is unrealistic to suggest that all barley used by the industry must
be grown in Scotland.
The brandy industrys reliance on French grapes in the late 1800s
led to its demise when the crop failed, allowing whisky to flourish
and become the global industry it is today.
No-one with the best interests of Scotlands economy at heart
will place the future of Scotlands leading indigenous industry
at the mercy of the Scottish climate.
CAMPBELL EVANS
Scotch Whisky Association
Atholl Crescent
Edinburgh
Article Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
23
Nov
2003 |
Right
spirit of self-censorship
ALLIED Domecq, the drinks company, has appointed advisers
to vet its ads for those which may link alcohol with sexual success,
or... irresponsible drinking.
The company, which owns brands including Ballantines whisky
and Harveys Bristol Cream, is believed to be taking the unusual step
to convince public health officials that the drinks industry does
not need external regulation. Wishing to prove how responsible it
is, Allied has even withdrawn an ad - which has never been shown -
for Wet By Beefeater, a cocktail version of Beefeater gin.
It showed a man and a woman at a piano with the slogan: "When
he looked at her like that she knew she would get wet."
Whats the world coming to?
Article Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
22
Nov
2003 |
No
barley will mean no whisky industry
Until responsibility for the whisky industry is transferred
to Edinburgh, the Cardhu saga will remain a mar-ginal interest for
London politicians.
The rural development minister, Ross Finnie, is "consulting"
on the future of Scottish agriculture, but while Diageo is able to
treat malt whisky as a commodity and source the raw ingredients for
it from anywhere in the world, the future of Scottish agriculture
is not in our hands.
The few multinationals which own our distilling industry have halved
the price they pay for low nitrogen malting barley in the last seven
years. Prices are now below the cost of production, so without subsidy
there would be no malting barley grown in Scotland.
To pay farmers a price which did give them a return would cost only
pence per bottle. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that an industry
which treats its supply base with such disdain is as cavalier with
the reputation of its final product.
The organisation, Linking Environment and Farming, of which I am chairman,
promotes integrated farm management, a discipline for farmers which
shows the way. However, without a realistic price from the distillers
for our malting barley there will be no future for Scottish agriculture.
In time, Scotland will have no whisky industry either; no barley grown
in Scotland means it will be cheaper to make whisky elsewhere.
ET BAXTER
Gilston
nr Leven, Fife
Article Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
21
Nov
2003 |
£7,500
bid offer for trip to Macallan
A Listener to one of radio's most popular breakfast shows
has paid £7,500 for an exclusive trip to the Macallan Distillery
on Speyside.
William Jones made the highest offer after an hour's frenzied bidding
during the BBC's Children In Need auction on yesterday's Wake Up With
Wogan programme.
It will see Mr Jones, from the Isle of Man, flown north along with
a friend and treated to a VIP tour of the distillery near Craigellachie.
They will be given access to the Macallan's unique £14.5million
Fine and Rare range of vintage malt whiskies which is normally kept
well under lock and key. The most expensive bottle in the range is
worth £20,000.
Mr Jones and his guest will stay at the Craigellachie Hotel and they
will be served lunch or dinner in the dining-room at Easter Elchies
House, the distillery's spiritual home overlooking the River Spey.
They will also be given a tutored nosing and tasting by Bob Dalgarno,
the Macallan's whisky maker. Carol McLaren, of the Macallan team which
arranged the auction prize, said staff at the distillery were delighted
with the amount the Macallan trip had raised for Children In Need.
"The distillery team pride themselves in the warm welcome they
give all our visitors to ensure that each and every guest enjoys the
uniquely exclusive atmosphere at the Macallan," she said.
"But the winners of today's auction prize can be sure that absolutely
all the stops will be pulled out for their visit.
"They will enjoy the truly unforgettable malt whisky experience
of a lifetime."
Article Courtesy of The Press & Journal |
pressandjournal |
20
Nov
2003 |
Glenmorangie
sees malt sales rise 10%
GLENMORANGIE continued its march on the growing malt whisky
market yesterday after reporting an 8 per cent increase in half-year
profits on the back of growth of 10 per cent in its flagship brand.
Chief executive Paul Neep said the group continues to make good progress
against all strategic objectives and emphasised that developing and
building premium brands for the long term remains the firms
key objective.
Focusing on the Far East, Neep said that in real terms the percentage
of Glenmorangies business in Asia was relatively small, but
he was looking to grow that in the next decade.
Neep said: "There are some interesting markets for malt in the
Far East, particularly in Korea and Taiwan, and we are looking at
their potential."
The company said shipments of its Glenmorangie malts rose 10 per cent,
while its Glen Moray brand was ahead 8 per cent, spurred by the "Glen
of Tranquility" advertising campaign that will continue over
Christmas.
Overseas sales were strongest in the US with Glenmorangie outperforming
rivals, while sales in Canada doubled.
The alliance with Bacardi-Martini brought instant rewards in the UK
with its marketing strengths enabling Glenmorangie to capture market
share from competitors.
It also gave it a distribution platform in Germany, Spain, the Netherlands,
Austria and Switzerland.
The company began bottling the new cream spirit brand Drambuie Sylk
in July and this has been introduced to the US market. Neep said the
tie-in with Drambuie was a "win-win" for both parties, but
he ruled out the possibility of a takeover.
"It is a private company, it is not for sale and we have never
shown an interest in buying it."
Neep added that an expansion at its Glenmorangie distillery had lifted
output, while its Ardbeg distillery on Islay is currently operating
at more than 90 per cent capacity. Glenmorangie has three distilleries,
in Tain, Elgin and Islay, and employs 295 full-time staff.
The Ardbeg brand has entered the top ten malts in the off-trade sector,
but Neep warned that heady sales growth of 20-30 per cent would soon
slow due to limited stocks inherited in 1997 with the distillery,
which was mothballed during the 1980s.
He also cautioned that a sustained recovery of world economies continued
to be uncertain, and he anticipated the medium term environment towards
higher UK interest rates could affect consumer spending in the home
market.
Drinks analyst Fulton Patterson at Seymour Pierce said that there
was great potential in the next few years as the benefits of the Brown-Forman
and Bacardi tie-ups was just starting to come through.
Patterson said: "I think they are a well-managed business now,
the new guys in charge are showing their mettle.
"Christmas is absolutely vital for them of course. They are now
number one in the UK having overtaken Glenfiddich, gearing has come
down again.
"The Far East is starting to move quite nicely, all these things
are quite promising. I think they will carry on growing and go from
strength to strength."
The dividend was increased by 7 per cent to 4.5p per A ordinary share
(which carry limited voting rights) and 2.25p per B ordinary share,
reflecting continued confidence in the groups prospects.
Article Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
20
Nov
2003 |
Distillers
meet to talk over diageo issue
The Scotch whisky industry has backed down on threats
to sue drinks giant Diageo for labelling Cardhu a "pure malt"
after changing the contents.
But senior directors of the major distillers still plan to pursue
the matter with the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).
About 60 distillers met in Glasgow yesterday to discuss what action
they should take against Diageo for changing Cardhu from a single
malt to a blend of malts from different distilleries.
It is understood the vast majority of single-malt distillers were
represented, including Allied Domecq, Chivas Brothers, William Grant
& Sons, Morrison Bowmore and John Dewar and Sons.
Diageo, which owns such brands as Guinness, Smirnoff and Baileys,
changed the recipe of Cardhu because of a shortage of single-malt
whisky to supply the profitable Spanish market.
The industry believes changing the wording on the label from "single
malt" to "pure malt" will confuse customers and undermine
the prestigious and profitable single-malt market.
Senior directors from the main whisky companies wrote to Diageo and
the SWA yesterday about the marketing of Cardhu.
Their message was that the industry cannot compromise on the protection
of single-malt whisky and Diageo should reconsider using the name
Cardhu - which has been a single malt for 30 years - for a mixture
of malt whiskies.
A spokesman for the group said: "We are confident that sense
will prevail."
Diageo's president for Europe, Ian Meakins, said he was pleased the
other companies had agreed to pursue the matter with the SWA.
"As previously stated, we have at all times sought to resolve
the issue with the rest of the industry through the SWA," he
said.
"'We remain committed to the long-term future of the SWA as the
best forum for continuing this debate and seeking to develop a common
and coherent voice for Scotch whisky.
"Diageo's commitment to Scotch whisky is absolute. We want the
Scotch whisky category to grow and expand. We recognise that innovating
in an industry renowned for tradition over modernity has provoked
animated discussion."
SNP MEP Ian Hudghton has stepped into the fray on the side of the
disgruntled distillers.
He has approached the European Commission to see if the term single
malt could be recognised and protected under the EU's Agriculture
Quality Policy.
Article Courtesy of The Press & Journal |
pressandjournal |
19
Nov
2003 |
Distillers
single-minded over malt
THE Scotch whisky industry last night united against Diageo
over its decision to relaunch Cardhu as a "pure malt".
At a crunch meeting behind closed doors at the Glasgow offices of
Morrison Bowmore, senior executives from all of the major distillers
rallied behind the industrys representative body, the Scotch
Whisky Association (SWA) , saying it still had a "significant
role to play" in the resolution of the issue.
It is understood that, after a "gentlemens agreement",
it was decided that a statement will not be issued until Glenmorangie
reports its interim results to the City at 8 am today.
But last night a source close to the meeting said it had resulted
in a unanimous condemnation of Diageos actions. He said: "The
industry is very concerned about the Diageo move and we will be working
with the Scotch Whisky Association to resolve the issue."
It is believed the vast majority of single malt distillers were present
at the meeting, including executives from Allied Domecq, Chivas Brothers,
William Grants and John Dewar and Sons.
Diageos move to change the Cardhu bottles contents from
a single malt to a vatted malt from five distilleries without changing
its name has caused outrage in the industry.
On Thursday, a meeting between Diageo managers and Scottish MPs to
try to resolve the dispute ended inconclusively.
Diageo insists it will not back down, claiming the change at Cardhu
will boost the £20-a-bottle whisky's profile.
All eyes now turn to the SWAs next meeting on 4 December where
industry leaders will meet Diageo to try to reach a compromise.
Last night, Diageo said that, ultimately, the issue had to be resolved
by the SWA.
After reaching the floor of the House of Commons last week, it was
the European parliaments turn to discuss the issue when the
SNP MEP, Professor Neil MacCormick, asked the president of the European
parliament to write to Diageos chief executive.
Speaking in the opening session of the parliaments plenary session
in Strasbourg, Prof MacCormick said that brand owners should not mislead
the public by abuse of a well-known name.
Prof MacCormick said: "Just as we should be concerned when counterfeiters
abuse rightholders, so we should be alert when rightholders abuse
consumer confidence.
"Diageo, the global spirits producer, has lately done this very
thing. It is not the single product of a single distillery. Consumers
are being misled, and the good name of Scotch whisky is being put
at risk."
Last week Angus Robertson, the Scottish National Party MP, called
on the Prime Minister to support cross-party efforts to force Diageo
into a U-turn. He told the House of Commons that Diageo was "undermining
the standing of this important industry".
A wary Tony Blair told the Commons: "I will look into this issue.
I am not entirely sure this is a matter for government. At least,
I sincerely hope its not a matter for government."
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
19
Nov
2003 |
Fiddlers'
whisky gig in Frankfurt
It's a long way to go for a Saturday night gig, but the
14 teenage fiddlers flying to Frankfurt this weekend to play at a
European whisky festival are not complaining.
Moray musical group Strathspey Fiddlers have been invited to perform
at mainland Europe's biggest whisky festival.
A combination trade fair and festival of whisky culture, InterWhisky
2003 features three days of talks and tastings of whiskies from Scotland,
Ireland, Canada and in the USA.
Whisky is big business in Germany, with German retail stores selling
approximately 12million bottles of Scotch whisky last year, and about
300 people are expected to attend the weekend festival.
The event will culminate in a Scottish dinner in the Inter-Continental
Hotel, with entertainment provided by the Strathspey Fiddlers.
The performance will not be limited to fiddling, according to group
leader Donald Barr. The teenagers from Huntly, Keith and Buckie will
also provide piping, dancing and singing.
He said: "Performing for 300 people from all over Europe is going
to be great fun." The fiddlers will leave Scotland early on Saturday
morning and return the next day.
During their brief visit, the group will be treated in style, staying
overnight at the five-star hotel where the dinner is taking place.
Several area distilleries will be represented at the festival, including
Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Glenrothes and Strathisla.
Article Courtesy of The Press & Journal |
pressandjournal |
18
Nov
2003 |
Water
of life's secrets sold off
IT HAS been Scotlands number one indigenous export
since Friar John Cor first appeared in the Exchequer Rolls with eight
bolls of malt in 1494. But now the £2 billion whisky industry
is not only exporting the water of life but also the means and materials
to make it...
Click
here for full story
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
18
Nov
2003 |
Diageo
chief's £50,000 shares windfall
DIAGEO, the drinks giant, launched an offensive yesterday
to rebuff accusations that it was forced to blend its single malt
brand Cardhu because it had misjudged stock levels.
In an interview with The Scotsman, Jonathan Driver, the companys
global malt whisky director, said it was a strategic move aimed at
building on the success Cardhu had enjoyed in Spain.
Mr Driver said: "We are not short of Cardhu, but we have reached
capacity. The issue here, and the vocabulary is very important, is
strategic. Shortage is not the issue. I repeat, we are not short of
Cardhu."
However, the issue has put the worlds largest drinks group at
odds with the rest of the whisky industry.
Yesterday, the row took another turn when an SNP MP, Angus Robertson,
warned Tony Blair that Diageos decision to change a brand of
single malt to a blend risked "undermining the standing"
of the industry.
Mr Blair said he was not sure it was a matter for government, adding:
"At least I sincerely hope that its not a matter for government."
Critics were angered when the company announced plans to sell the
whisky in the same style of bottle and with the name of its Speyside
distillery on the label.
They claimed the decision could both damage the industry and confuse
drinkers into thinking Cardhu was still a single malt, rather than
a blend.
Article Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
17
Nov
2003 |
Distiller's
sales jump
WHYTE & Mackay, the privately-owned whisky distiller
formerly known as Kyndal, has reaped the benefits of a push into England
and Wales following a jump in sales for the four months to the end
of August.
The company sold 20,000 cases south of the Border - worth a total
of £2.4 million - during the period compared with just 3500
cases, for £447,000, last year.
Whyte & Mackay said a distribution deal with the UKs top
five supermarkets had fuelled the rise.
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
14
Nov
2003 |
McConnell
and MPs intervene in industry rift over single malt
It followed a second meeting between the all-party Commons
scotch whisky group and Diageo directors in an attempt to heal a serious
rift in the industry between those anxious to preserve the integrity
of "single" malt brands and the decision of Diageo to replace
its former single malt Cardhu with a blend of malts, calling it "pure
malt"...
Click
here for full story
Article Courtesy of ThePress & Journal |
pressandjournal |
13
Nov
2003 |
Domecq
chiefs gain 38% bonus increases
ALLIED DOMECQ, the wines and spirits group, increased
the performancerelated bonuses of three of its top executives by more
than 38 per cent in its past financial year, even though the companys
share price fell by 7 per cent during the same period.
The worlds second biggest drinks company paid Philip Bowman,
chief executive, a performance-related bonus of £1.04 million
for the year to August 31, a 40 per cent rise on the year before.
Graham Hetherington, chief financial officer, received a £507,000
bonus, up from £366,000 last time. Meanwhile, David Scotland,
president of the wine division, received a 63 per cent increase in
his bonus, bringing it to £542,000 for the year.
The company defended the bonuses, saying they were commensurate
with the much more demanding economic conditions in many of the relevant
markets.
In October the maker of Ballantine Scotch whisky and Beefeater gin
reported a 3 per cent rise in full-year pre-tax profits to £480
million. The company said it was the worst market since 1999, as the
war in Iraq and the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome
(Sars) hit demand.
A company spokesman said: Its true that our headline earnings
per share figure rose by only 3 per cent but we were hit by
the decline in the value of the dollar and an increase in pension
payments. When these exceptional items are stripped away we increased
underlying profits by 20 per cent..
Article Courtesy of The Times |
The
Times |
13
Nov
2003 |
Distiller
defends Cardhu blend
DIAGEO, the drinks giant, launched an offensive yesterday
to rebuff accusations that it was forced to blend its single malt
brand Cardhu because it had misjudged stock levels.
In an interview with The Scotsman, Jonathan Driver, the companys
global malt whisky director, said it was a strategic move aimed at
building on the success Cardhu had enjoyed in Spain.
Mr Driver said: "We are not short of Cardhu, but we have reached
capacity. The issue here, and the vocabulary is very important, is
strategic. Shortage is not the issue. I repeat, we are not short of
Cardhu."
However, the issue has put the worlds largest drinks group at
odds with the rest of the whisky industry.
Yesterday, the row took another turn when an SNP MP, Angus Robertson,
warned Tony Blair that Diageos decision to change a brand of
single malt to a blend risked "undermining the standing"
of the industry.
Mr Blair said he was not sure it was a matter for government, adding:
"At least I sincerely hope that its not a matter for government."
Critics were angered when the company announced plans to sell the
whisky in the same style of bottle and with the name of its Speyside
distillery on the label.
They claimed the decision could both damage the industry and confuse
drinkers into thinking Cardhu was still a single malt, rather than
a blend.
Article Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
12
Nov
2003 |
Rebirth
of one of Scotland's oldest whiskies
TULLIBARDINE, one of Scotlands oldest distilleries,
will re-open for business at the end of the month almost ten years
after it was closed down.
The distillery, in Blackford just south of Gleneagles in Perthshire,
will distill a limited production of Tullibardine Single Malt.
Doug Ross, a director of Tullibardine, the consortium which bought
the site for £10 million in June, described the reopening as
the culmination of a long-term dream.
Mr Ross said: "We have spent a significant sum in restoring the
distillery. When we acquired it from Whyte and Mackay in the summer
it was in a state that had been sympathetically de-commissioned. All
the kit was in good condition but since then we have fitted and upgraded
the pumps, valves, pipes and made them more efficient."
Described by Michael Jackson, author of the Malt Whisky Companion,
as "eminently quaffable", the whisky has a soft, sweetish,
lemony style with a vanilla like spiciness.
Customers will be offered the chance to buy a personalised cask which
will be kept in a warehouse for a period of ten years. The casks,
on the market at £800, can be labelled, bottled and distributed
to the owners specifications.
The original distillery dates back to the late 1790s. Home to Highland
Spring, Blackford also boasts the site of one the oldest breweries
in the UK, dating back to 1488 when it produced a special ale for
the coronation of King James IV at Scone.
In the 1970s, Tullibardine was taken over by Invergordon before being
mothballed in 1994.
David Williamson, of the Scotch Whisky Association, said: "There
has been an encouraging trend of whisky distilleries being reopened
and redeveloped and this is good news for the industry."
Article Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
11
Nov
2003 |
Whisky
galore not for Iain
IAIN Bankss latest oeuvre, Raw Spirit is primarily
about whisky but also "an idiosyncratic journal which is part
travel book".
The publishers insisted that Banks, "a bit of a petrol head",
should drive round the distilleries. But isnt it funny how whenever
publishers commission a Scottish writer to do a book on whisky, they
make sure they do it on wheels? Obviously, they do not trust them
otherwise to stay sober. Our old mucker on the Diary, Tom Morton,
had to do his on a motorbike with sidecar.
Meantime, Banks usually enjoys a dram at his local, the Albert Hotel
in North Queensferry, where he was featured in the foodie section
of a Sunday magazine this weekend. The Alberts hostess, Rhona
Campbell, was saying, though, that he is not the only famous customer:
"Gordon Brown has a house in the village, so he pops in for drinks.
Tony Blair used to come with Mr Brown, but he hasnt been in
since Labour has been in power."
Now, theres a surprise. But where better to build bridges than
on the Forth? The Albert can replace Granita - or even Montpeliers
- as the scene of Labours new deal.
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
10
Nov
2003 |
Distillers
in singular threat to Diageo dram
A Row at the heart of the whisky industry is threatening
to spill over into the courts.
It comes after industry giant Diageo provoked anger among rival distillers
by attempting to pass off a blend of whiskies as a prestigious single
malt.
Now a group of distillers have come together to explore the possibility
of legal action against Diageo. They say the move could clearly establish
a legally binding definition of single malt and benefit the industry.
Representatives from about 60 brands are due to meet in Glasgow a
week tomorrow. A civil action of consumer deception against Diageo
has already been mooted.
The row flared up after Diageo changed the recipe of one of Speyside's
most popular malts, Cardhu. Instead of being a traditional single
12-year-old malt, it is now being made from vatted malt from several
distilleries, although it is still being sold as Cardhu.
The only change Diageo has made to the label is to substitute the
word "single" with "pure".
Rivals claim that the move will mislead customers and could seriously
damage the worldwide reputation of the Scotch whisky industry.
Diageo, which accounts for about half of Scotland's whisky distilling,
said it announced changes to Cardhu in July after stocks of the single
malt ran low and led to fears they may not be able to meet increasing
demand. It is mainly marketing the "pure" malt in Spain
at the moment, then will move into Portugal, France, Italy and Greece.
It should be available in the UK in about a year.
Diageo says it has carried out publicity, advertising, tasting and
consumer education, particularly in Spain to ensure consumers are
aware of the change.
Scottish Whisky Association spokesman David Williamson said: "The
Scottish Whisky Association is very much involved in discussions about
changes to protect and allay the concerns expressed by some member
companies.
"We will have discussions with Diageo about the matter to find
a way ahead in the best interests of the whole industry."
John Grant, managing director of J & G Grant of Speyside, which
makes Glenfarclas, said: "They are misleading the public by selling
Cardhu in the same bottle, with the same packaging it has had for
years, when what's in the bottle is not Cardhu.
"In my opinion, it sets a dangerous precedent."
Article Courtesy of ThePress & Journal |
pressandjournal |
09
Nov
2003 |
Diageo
hits back in whisky wars
DIAGEO, the Scotch whisky producer at the centre of an
increasingly bitter row over a new, vatted version of its 12-year
old Cardhu malt, has hit back at claims that its controversial changes
will harm the industry and predicted others would follow in order
to grow their exports.
Jonathan Driver, Diageos global malt whisky director, last night
defended his decision to turn Cardhu single malt into a pure malt
- a mixture of five whiskies from various Speyside distilleries -
to keep up with demand.
He said rival distillers should welcome his innovation as a way of
staving off competition from other spirits categories such as vodka
and rum.
He told Scotland on Sunday: "If this is successful, others will
follow. That doesnt mean the end of single malts - it means
it is a better and bigger malts category at the end of it all. I genuinely
believe innovation is required to take the malt whisky business to
the next level."
Diageo is already distributing the Cardhu pure malt in Spain, France,
Portugal and Greece after runaway success grew sales by 200,000 cases
in little over a decade.
It is also testing the concept in the US, despite the new product
isolating Diageo from the rest of the Scotch whisky industry at home.
Others are concerned the move will tarnish the reputation of the industry,
which had exports worth £2.28bn last year.
But Drivers comments were described last night as "wishful
thinking" by Tony Hunt, deputy managing director of William Grant
& Sons, which is leading the opposition.
Hunt accused Diageo of capitalising on the ignorance of Spanish consumers
- the biggest drinkers of Cardhu. "The reason why single malt
as a category has become the jewel in the crown as far as the Scotch
whisky industry is concerned is because we havent taken shortcuts,"
he said.
But Driver said he was ready for the controversy that would meet the
launch of the pure malt that it first dreamt up two years ago.
He revealed that limited inventory and growing popularity of single
malts had been a looming "crisis point" for Diageo since
the company was created in 1997 from the merger of Guinness and GrandMet.
It has been selling its Lagavulin single malt at capacity for the
past four years. Oban, which sells 64,000 cases a year, has since
followed suit, and Dalwhinnie is not far behind in hitting the ceiling
of supply.
But Driver rejected the idea that the pure malt concept could be spread
to the rest of his portfolio. He said: "Our Lagavulin consumers
would have simply rejected the whole proposition."
However, he argues that Cardhu, which has become the fastest-growing
malt whisky in the world, is another matter.
"To a Cardhu consumer, to say it comes from a small valley on
Speyside is just a little bit too much information when there is so
much else that people adore about it," he said, predicting others
would follow suit to grow their brands globally.
Driver will appear before the all-party Scotch Whisky Industry group
again this Thursday.
Article Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
08
Nov
2003 |
MPs
take shot at resolving Cardhu crisis
SENIOR Westminster MPs are trying to end the dispute over
plans to change the make-up of one of Scotlands top malt whiskies.
Diageo, which has its Scots HQ in Edinburgh, wants to end the production
of Cardhu single malt and instead produce a blend of different malts.
They want to label this as "pure malt, claiming that
existing stocks of the original product are running low.
But small single malt producers are outraged at this potential dilution
of their major selling point. Some rival producers - including John
Grant, who produce Glenfarclas - are threatening legal action.
William Grant and Glenfiddich are also outraged. They have warned
of major sales slumps in the key United States and Japanese markets
if the change goes ahead.
The meeting was hosted by Angus Robertson, Scottish Nationalist MP
for Moray - home to 50 per cent of Scotlands distilleries including
Cardhu, and included Treasury Select Committee chairman John McFall,
who represents Dumbarton.
Following the meeting Diageo has committed itself to talks to try
to resolve the dispute, saying it would discuss "concrete solutions".
Over recent weeks the bitter dispute has divided the whisky industry,
which has seen threats of legal action and a possible split in the
industry body the Scotch Whisky Association.
Speaking after the meeting Mr Robertson MP, who is vice-chairman of
the All-Party Scotch Whisky Industry group, said: "This is a
positive development and we sincerely hope that realistic proposals
will be made next week by Diageo to help end this damaging crisis."
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
06
Nov
2003 |
CL
distillers chief quits
THE chief executive of East Kilbride-based distillers
CL World Brands has unexpectedly quit following an announcement that
the chairman of its Trinidadian parent firm wanted to be more hands-on
in the day-to-day running of the business.
Ian Bankiers departure will raise questions over the future
base of the company, formed last year.
Arnaud de Trabuc, executive director of strategic affairs for CL World
Brands, insisted the company would continue to be headquartered out
of East Kilbride.
CL World Brands distills the Bunnahabhain and Black Bottle whisky
brands and was formed last year through the acquisition of the Burn
Stewart distillery by Trinidad and Tobago conglomerate CL Financial.
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
05
Nov
2003 |
Edrington
moves to reshuffle board
IAN Curle, the chief executive-in-waiting of the Edrington
Group, the maker of the Famous Grouse and The Macallan whiskies, moved
yesterday to strengthen his board with the appointment of two new
executive directors and a restructuring of the business.
Graham Hutcheon, previously distillation director, based at The Macallan
Distillery on Speyside, succeeds Curle as group operations director,
while Bill Farrar, who masterminded The Famous Grouses quirky
TV adverts, is promoted to group sales and marketing director.
Barrie Jackson, a main board director for the last nine years, is
promoted from sales and marketing director to a new role as group
strategy director and will concentrate on directing the groups
future strategy.
Curle, 42, who was appointed deputy chief executive in May, succeeds
Ian Good as chief executive next April to become the youngest chief
executive in Edringtons 150-year history.
Curle said he hoped the moves would strengthen the business, which
has doubled in size in the last four years, and will put it in good
shape for the tough challenges that lie ahead in the international
marketplace.
Earlier this year, Edrington sold its Bunnahabhain and Glengoyne distilleries
to Burn Stewart Distillers and Ian Macleod respectively, in deals
analysts said were worth more than £20 million.
The move was part of a strategic change in the company to focus on
its four main brands, The Famous Grouse, The Macallan, Highland Park
and Cutty Sark.
In July the firm reported a 24.6 per cent increase in pre-tax profits
to a record £61.7m while turnover rose 14.9 per cent to £230.7m.
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
02
Nov
2003 |
Scotch
on the rocks over Diageo
THE Scotch Whisky Association has been thrown into chaos
over an unprecedented split between Diageo, Scotlands largest
whisky producer, and the rest of the industry.
Members of the SWA, the industrys trade body, will put intense
pressure on Diageo to reconsider its decision to axe its Cardhu single
malt brand when its governing council meets next month...
Click
here for full story
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
30
Oct
2003 |
Allied
Domecq denies SWA pull-out threat
ALLIED Domecq denied last night that it was on the verge
of quitting the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) in protest against
the inaction over Diageos decision to turn its Cardhu single
malt Scotch whisky into a vatted malt. A spokesman for Allied said
there was "no truth in the rumour whatsoever", but added
that Allied are "extremely concerned about this issue and the
reputation of single malt".
The row erupted after it emerged that Diageo has substituted the contents
of its 12-year-old Cardhu single malt, taken from one source, with
a vatted malt, blended from a number of Speyside distilleries. It
is a move that many believe will damage the integrity and authenticity
of every category of whisky produced in Scotland. A spokesman for
the SWA said it was discussing the change with Diageo.
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
29
Oct
2003 |
Festival
aims to boost autumn tourism levels
ABOUT 140 events are planned in the ten-day Borders Banquet
festival, including cookery demonstrations, murder mystery dinners,
wine and whisky tastings and art evenings.
Funded by Scottish Enterprise Borders, it is designed to boost tourism
at a traditionally quiet time of the year, said Alan Elliot, tourism
business manager at SEB.
Last year it brought in an estimated £150,000, up 29 per cent
on the events inaugural year.
Elliot said: "Official figures show that 25 per cent of all tourism
spend is on food and drink.
Last year we saw a large increase both in average food and drink sales
and in the number of bed nights sold as people use the event as a
reason to come to the region for a short break."
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
29
Oct
2003 |
Whisky
firm falls into red
MORRISON Bowmore, the whisky distiller, has fallen into
the red because of costs associated with a distribution venture in
Uruguay.
The Sociedad Anonima joint venture with the Uruguayan government cost
Bowmore £700,000 in 2002, and the company has now exited the
business.
The venture, along with a move away from sales of cheaper bulk blended
whisky, saw Bowmore post a loss of £1.1 million for the year,
compared with a profit of £948,000 in 2001.
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
28
Oct
2003 |
Bottling
plant is pretty dram fast
SCOTLANDS fastest whisky bottling plant, capable
of producing 600 bottles every minute, has been officially opened
by the Edrington Group.
The maker of brands such as Famous Grouse and the Macallan has invested
£3 million in the high-speed bottling plant at its Glasgow premises.
The construction of the new plant on Great Western Road saved 50 jobs
at the 150-year-old company and is aimed at ensuring the £800m
Scottish industry continues to grow.
First Minister Jack McConnell, who officially opened the plant, said:
"Scotlands whisky industry is one of the most important
elements of our economy, and its global reputation is stronger than
ever.
"Its success plays a strong part in attracting visitors to Scotland
and one in 50 Scottish jobs depend on this most famous of industries."
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
26
Oct
2003 |
William
Grant in good spirits as company set to grow
FAMILY-owned distiller William Grant is looking to acquire
premium spirit brands after posting a 31% rise in pre-tax profits.
The Glenfiddich distiller wants to boost its portfolio, which ranges
from Glenfiddich malt whisky to OVD rum.
A spokesman said: "We are looking for acquisition opportunities.
We are a premium spirits business and it makes sense to continue to
do that."
He refused to identify which brands were under consideration, but
the companys product range is underweight in brandy.
Grants, which has offices in Bellshill, London and Dufftown
in Moray, has considerable firepower at its disposal.
At the end of last year the company held £25.9m in cash, up
£8m on the previous year.
That increase came despite an £11.2m spending spree which brought
Gibsons Finest Canadian whisky, Polstar vodka and three rum
brands into the group. Last years acquisitions, along with rising
sales of William Grants blended whisky, contributed to a 10%
rise in turnover to £323m in 2002. Pre-tax profits increased
by 31% to £60.8m.
The spokesman said sales of the blend had benefited from customer
loyalty and a strong marketing campaign.
Grants benefited from its stake in the Famous Grouse and Macallan
whiskies, which it shares with rival distiller Edrington.
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
26
Oct
2003 |
Whisky
giant's 'threat' to pure single malts
NO-ONE can accuse Peter Smith of lacking fighting spirit.
"Everyone talks about the whisky industry being fuddy-duddy and
not going anywhere, but we as a company are not like that. We have
made changes that we think will benefit everyone in the end, and if
other people dont like it, tough. Whats important is that
our customers do...
Click
here for full story
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
23
Oct
2003 |
Double
Award for Bruichladdich in the USA
In a unique double, Bruichladdich has been awarded the
title of Distillery of the Year for the second time in three years
and Import Malt of the Year for their Vintage 1970 by Malt Advocate,
the leading spirits magazine in the USA. The award was announced on
Tuesday 21 October at WhiskyFest in New York.
Mark Reynier, Managing Director was delighted with the news, Its
extremely gratifying to be recognised for our innovative approach
to making whisky as natural and authentic as possible and validates
the major decision we made this year to bottle Bruichladdich at the
Distillery.
Andrew Gray, Sales Director, agreed, saying Im sure that
the quality, depth and breadth of range we have produced in such a
short time contributed to the decision to make us Distillery of the
Year. Its amazing to have won this very prestigious title twice,
particularly since weve only been in operation since 2001.
Jim McEwan, Master Distiller, who received the awards, commented Winning
the title Malt of the Year is a testament to the skills of the guys
who made the whisky and the ones who looked after it whilst it was
maturing. I had the easy job. I found it, treated it gently - with
respect - and let it speak for itself.
The award for the 1970 confirmed the five star rating already given
to this exceptional whisky by US Spirits writer Paul Pacult, who described
it as supremely sophisticated and integrated
a complete
malt whisky experience .
Articles Courtesy of Bruichladdich |
bruichladdich |
23
Oct
2003 |
Diageo
in good spirits
DIAGEO, the worlds biggest wines and spirits company,
has told investors it is well positioned to achieve a "superior"
performance following last years drop in profits.
Updating shareholders at its annual meeting, chief executive Paul
Walsh said the company had demonstrated its ability to generate growth
even in challenging times as the global economy struggles to recover
from a major slump.
He said some markets were beginning to show signs of improvement,
particularly in the United States, which is now Diageos most
important market.
The groups major brands include Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky,
Baileys cream liqueur, Smirnoff vodka and Guinness.
Mr Walsh said: "Continued share gains, even in difficult markets
such as those in Latin America, provide further evidence that Diageo
is well positioned to achieve superior performance.
"Therefore, while recognising that we are only three months into
the current financial year, we have not seen any trends emerging which
would lead us to change our view of Diageos future prospects."
Earlier this week, rival Allied Domecq - the worlds second-largest
drinks company - reported a three per cent rise in annual profits
and said the new financial year had started well, despite difficult
market conditions in Europe.
The owner of Ballantines whisky, Beefeater gin, Makers
Mark bourbon and Dunkin Donuts posted a pre-tax profit of £495
million for the 12 months to the end of August, up from £480m
for the previous year, on turnover two per cent higher at £3.4
billion. But Diageos annual results, announced last month, showed
a four per cent slide in underlying operating profits to £2bn
in the year to the end of June.
While the results were in line with market expectations, the group
said it took a £1.5bn hit from the disposal of the Burger King
fast food chain in December 2002, which it sold to focus on its spirits
division.
Burger King was sold to a group of venture capitalists - led by Texas
Pacific and including Bain Capital and Goldman Sachs Capital Partners
- for £947m after seeing a previous £1.5bn deal with the
same consortium fall through.
Annual turnover at Diageo, which employs 3000 north of the Border
under the leadership of Scotland director Allan Burns, rose three
per cent last year to just under £9bn.
Analysts believe the company - formed from the merger of drinks group
Guinness and food and spirits firm Grand Metropolitan in 1997 - is
lining up a £1.3bn sale of its 21 per cent stake in General
Mills, maker of Cheerios cereal and Yoplait yoghurt.
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
22
Oct
2003 |
Allied
sinks as results lose fizz
SHARES in Allied Domecq, the worlds second biggest
drinks firm after Diageo, were the FTSE 100s second biggest
faller yesterday after flattish annual results and a bleak statement
on trading in mainland Europe.
The market was taken aback that Allieds volume growth in spirits
and wines, excluding acquisitions, slowed to just 1 per cent in the
year to end-August from 4 per cent at the half-year stage.
Philip Bowman, group chief executive, said: "The European economies
are difficult. We dont see any light at the end of the tunnel."
Nigel Davies, a drinks specialist at investment bank JP Morgan, said:
"Growth in the second half has slowed considerably in turnover
terms and I think people are concerned about what that says about
future growth."
Analysts at Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein put their "add"
investment recommendation on Allied under review. Shares in the group,
which recently lost out in the bid battle for Peter Lehman Wines in
Australia to Switzerlands Hess Group, closed down 16.75p, or
4 per cent, at 384.5p.
Allied, which unveiled a 3 per cent rise in underlying pre-tax profits
to £495 million, said that important mainland European markets
for the company, such as Germany, France and Italy, were still suffering
from severe trading conditions.
Allieds best-known brands include Ballantines whisky and
Beefeater gin. Bottom-line pre-tax profits for the group, after exceptionals,
fell 15 per cent to £483m (£571m last time).
Bowman, declaring an 8 per cent increase in the annual dividend to
14p, said a strong performance in the US - where profits rose 31 per
cent - helped the company ride out the tough conditions in the eurozone.
Trading profits in the spirits and wine division as a whole rose 4
per cent to £522m, helped by Allieds recent string of
acquisitions.
During the period, Sauza tequila became the worlds fastest-growing
premium spirits brand, with volumes up a hefty 28 per cent.
Allieds burgeoning wine business grew volumes by 18 per cent,
mainly due to the acquisition of Bodegas y Bodegas in December 2001
and Mumm Cuvee Napa.
Trading profit in Europe dropped 21 per cent to £114m, and 33
per cent before acquisitions were taken into account.
And there was a sharp cut of almost one-third in advertising spending
in the Asia Pacific region as a result of the SARS epidemic last spring.
Meanwhile, profits at Allieds quick service restaurants Dunkin
Donuts and Baskin Robbins climbed 8 per cent.
There has been speculation that Allied will eventually pursue a merger
with another major spirits player to try and make up some headway
on Diageo, with Pernod and Bacardi of France and Brown-Forman of the
US said to be the desired targets.
But Bowman said that Allied Domecq was not talking to anybody currently.
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
21
Oct
2003 |
Sweden
faces EU fines if it fails to cut tax on Scotch whisky imports
PRESSURE is building on Sweden to cuts its tax on Scotch
whisky after being warned by the European Union that its regulations
on importing alcohol violate market rules.
Under Swedish law, those wanting to import alcohol for personal use
have to apply to the countrys strict monopoly, Systembolage,
to act as a selling intermediary. The European Commission argues that
Sweden is depriving companies and individuals their rights under EU
law, saying companies have a right to sell products throughout the
15-nation bloc unhindered.
The criticism came just weeks after Denmark gave a major boost to
the whisky industry by slashing its tax on Scotch, making it cheaper
to buy a bottle in Copenhagen than it is in Edinburgh.
An EU spokesman, said of the Swedish process: "Its complicated
and its very expensive so its a major disincentive."
If Sweden, which applies duty on whisky at twice the UK rate, does
not apply European market rules, it faces being fined heavily by the
EU high court.
The move was welcomed by the Scotch Whisky Association, which claimed
that liberalising the market will increase pressure for excise tax
to be bought down.
David Williamson, of the association, said: "We welcome the move
because it is introducing a simple and less complicated system for
consumers who want to buy alcohol from abroad."
Brussels has also ordered Sweden to abolish its current limits on
the amount of duty free that may be brought in by individuals for
personal consumption from 1 January, 2004.
Williamson said: "Individuals will be allowed to bring back ten
litres of alcohol without incurring additional taxation. In light
of this, Denmark has cut its duty by 45 per cent and Finland is proposing
a 44 per cent cut. Sweden hasnt announced its intentions yet,
but obviously pressure is building for excise tax to be bought down."
Last year Sweden imported £25.1m worth of whisky, or 8.3 million
bottles. About 13 per cent of that was malt whisky.
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
21
Oct
2003 |
Domecq
in good spirits
ALLIED Domecq, the worlds second-largest drinks
company, today reported a three per cent rise in annual profits and
said the new financial year had started well, despite difficult market
conditions in Europe.
The owner of Ballantines whisky, Beefeater gin, Makers
Mark bourbon and Dunkin Donuts posted a pre-tax profit of £495
million for the 12 months to the end of August, up from £480m
for the previous year, on turnover two per cent higher at £3.4
billion.
Chief executive Philip Bowman said: "Early indications are that
the 2004 financial year has started well and we are on track to meet
current expectations."
Ballantines and Beefeater continued to grow market share in
Spain.
Despite gains, both brands recorded declines in overall shipment volumes
as a result of the change in buying by Spanish wholesalers.
Outside Spain, Ballantines volumes grew three per cent, while
Tia Maria volumes soared 33 per cent in the UK.
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
20
Oct
2003 |
Intrepid
trio look to put fun back into whisky
THREE entrepreneurs are about to embark on a mission to
dispel the stuffy pipe and slippers image of Scottish whisky in the
hope of opening up the spirit to a whole new generation of drinkers.
The Easy Drinking Whisky Company (EDWC) is launching three whiskies
- dubbed simply The Rich Spicy One, The Smokey Peaty One and The Smooth
Sweeter One.
The founding directors will follow up the launch of their whiskies
- branded under the label Jon, Mark and Robbo - with a tour of Scottish
off-licences to better equate the public with what they believe should
be whiskys fun image.
David Robertson, a director of EDWC and former master distiller of
The Macallan, said: "There has been a snobbery attached to whisky
drinking that has given it an almost elitist image. Jon, Mark and
Robbo is aimed at removing the barriers to whisky drinking and making
it fun to drink when you want."
The idea for EDWC was hatched on a Scottish hillside last Christmas
and came to life after the three - brothers Mark and Jon Geary and
David Robertson - secured seed funding from the Edrington Group, the
Scottish drinks company, to produce its three malt mixes.
The three men hope to convert existing whisky drinkers, who are tired
of the spirits frumpy image, as well as tapping into the generation
brought up on wine labels such as Fat Bastard.
Similar moves to revamp staid images of other spirits and beverages
in the past have met with mixed success. Bicardi managed to make the
appeal transition when it introduced its range of flavoured alcopops
under the label Bicardi Breezer in the late 90s.
However, a similar attempt to revive the popularity of Seventies favourite
Babycham met with less success.
Jon, Mark and Robbos three whiskies will be available exclusively
from Oddbins at the end of the month.
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
17
Oct
2003 |
442
to design £500,000 Tullibardine complex
EDINBURGH-based consultancy 442 has won the contract to
design the £500,000 Tullibardine Distillery retail outlet, restaurant
and visitor attraction in Perthshire.
The Leith design agency, which started life in November last year,
will help to develop and launch an innovative new retail brand based
around the traditional values of whisky. David Dunn, 442s design
director, said: "Our strong commercial focus and modern retail
experience is what appealed to the client team."
The project at Tullibardine Distillery forms part of a 50,000 sqft
multi-million pound retail development at Blackford, near Gleneagles
in Perthshire.
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
12
Oct
2003 |
Scots
invited to help bring UK town to China
ITS citizens will enjoy a pint in a traditional pub and
may send their children to a school run by Eton College. But while
Thames Town will be British in name and character, it will be a long
way from home.
Thames Town is one of nine towns being built in European
styles in the suburbs of Shanghai. Together they are known as Songjiang
New City, a £300m project to house 500,000 people in one of
the worlds biggest and fastest-growing cities.
Now companies from Scotland are being invited to take part in building
Thames Town, which will replicate the character of a small British
town, complete with its own hospital and church.
Joan Serafini, who was a civil servant in Scotland for 22 years and
now runs her own events business, is organising a symposium in Edinburgh
for companies to meet a delegation from the developer, Henghe Real
Estate Company, on November 24.
A number of blue-chip companies are on Henghes target list,
including Tesco, Sainsbury, the Savoy Hotel, Hamleys and Addenbrookes
Hospital.
Scottish firms have also been targeted in the whisky, hospitality
and engineering sectors.
"British businesses are seeing huge opportunities in China and
this event will give Scottish firms a chance to find out more about
the new town," said Serafini, who flies out to Shanghai this
week for an update on the project.
Engineering firm WS Atkins has been sending teams out to Shanghai
to develop the masterplan and help with the development and design
of the buildings, streetscape and landscaping.
Serafini, who was assistant private secretary to former Scottish Secretary
Ian Lang and subsequently private secretary to First Ministers Henry
McLeish and Jack McConnell, was asked initially to send two pipers
and a Highland dancer to an exhibition and marketing launch this month.
But those behind the project have now asked her Glasgow-based company,
Equator Events Management, to take on a consultancy role to identify
companies that might be interested in getting involved in the development
and provision of a middle school, nursery, whisky exhibition and shop,
steakhouse, Scottish souvenirs shop, pub, five-star hotel and gym.
The symposium will be held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, Edinburgh,
on November 24.
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
11
Oct
2003 |
Regular
raises glass to 72 years
A WAR veteran has been drinking in the same pub for the
last 72 years, his landlord confirmed on his 90th birthday.
Tommy Spurr has popped in almost daily for two pints of bitter and
two glasses of whisky at the White Cross Pub, Pudsey, West Yorkshire.
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
07
Oct
2003 |
Jailed
over moonshine whisky
A MAN was jailed for two years yesterday for producing
moonshine whisky at an illegal distillery on remote farmland. David
Cox pleaded guilty to evading £529,275 in excise duty.
He was arrested in January this year after Customs and Excise officers
raided farm buildings near Bridgnorth in Shropshire and found six
illegal stills. They also discovered 1,500 litres of distilled whisky
- some bottled and crated under the name Highland Game - and 35,000
litres of fermenting liquor.
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
07
Oct
2003 |
Duncan
quits Glenvarigill for Drambuie
GLENVARIGILL, the Edinburgh luxury motor group bought
out from liqueur company Drambuie in a £40 million deal, has
lost its marketing director to its former owner.
Miles Duncan, who previously worked with whisky giant Whyte and Mackay,
said he was attracted by the opportunity to grow and focus the Drambuie
brand in its home market and the roles commercial side in sales
and marketing.
Duncan is the second director to leave Glenvarigill in weeks, after
Gavin Manson, the former finance director, sold his 40 per cent stake
to managing director Tim Bartlett for an undisclosed sum. Yesterday
Bartlett said the two departures were unrelated. "
Martin has been with us for five years, he has made a significant
contribution, and was looking for a fresh challenge," he said.
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
05
Oct
2003 |
Whisky
fans nip in for Fife distillery shares
A WHISKY company planning to build a new distillery in
Fife has raised almost £500,000 from private investors.
The Ladybank Company of Distillers has sold out its first tranche
of shares released to enthusiasts and investors in the UK and overseas.
It eventually hopes to raise about£1.5m to fund the creation
of the distillery on the outskirts of Ladybank village. Work is expected
to start in the new year, with first production of its single malt
pencilled in for before the end of 2004.
About 200 UK-based investors have each paid £1,850 for membership
of the club, which will entitle them to the equivalent of 12 bottles
a year from each vintage during the first 10 years of production.
The club has now released a second tranche of memberships available
to UK investors at £2,500. James Thomson, one of the founding
directors of the project, said Ladybank had now passed a major hurdle.
"When we began this we thought the hardest part would be getting
up to the 150-200 member level, but that once we had achieved that
we would have the momentum we needed."
The companys marketing efforts have included exhibiting at an
alternative investment show in London last month. "We see this
as a lifestyle investment in the same way as someone might invest
in classic cars or art," Thomson said. "It gives the investor
a great deal more than a pure cash investment."
He said efforts were now being concentrated on increasing the numbers
of overseas investors. "We could very easily complete the membership
in Scotland and the rest of the UK. We do want more UK investors,
but part of the ethos of the project is the pilgrimage
aspect of people coming from abroad to see this return to the true
heritage of scotch whisky."
The club has about 50 overseas members, mainly among expat communities.
It is aiming for a total of between 700 and 800 investors with a maximum
limit of 1,250.
The distillery, which will have the smallest production of any in
Scotland, markets itself as being a return to the origins of distilling
- carried out by farmers to convert surplus crops into spirits.
It will also feature a whisky school running courses on production
and tasting.
The malting vessels to be used by the distillery are being built by
fabricators McMillan of Prestonpans, and are believed to be the first
farm-scale vessels for distilling built in Scotland for at least a
century.
The company is the second new Scots whisky venture to attract money
from private investors this year.
Blackwood Distillers, which is planning to build a new distillery
on Shetland, staged a share issue and has been awarded a Highlands
and Islands Enterprise grant to help fund the project.
The planned distillery could produce 40,000 cases annually of premium
single malt, in peated and unpeated versions, and a variety of wood
finishes.
As a return on investment is not expected in the short term, the company
intends to provide a whisky dividend to investors who participate
in its share offer at the rate of one bottle per annum per 500 offer
shares subscribed.
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
05
Oct
2003 |
Are
you inspired to vote?
For the sixth year Scotland on Sunday has joined forces
with Glenfiddich, the worlds premier single malt Scotch whisky,
to give you the chance to vote in the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland
Awards®. This unique awards scheme recognises the individuals
who inspire our nation, leading the way in Scottish culture from food,
music and screen to art, business, writing and sport.
Last year readers cast their votes by the thousand. This year, there
is even more reason to have your say, since, for the first time, you
will be able to enjoy the actual awards ceremony when the event is
broadcast by Scottish and Grampian Television on Saint Andrews
night.
Last week we profiled the contenders in the worlds of sport and food.
This week its business and art, to be followed over the next
couple of weeks by nominees in music, screen and writing. The nominees
have been suggested by our judging panel but its up to you to
decide who should win.
In the final week, you can vote for the Top Scot Award, an open category
where you can choose the Scot from any walk of life whom you believe
has made the greatest impact in furthering Scotlands reputation
at home and abroad this year.
Judges The judging panel for the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Awards
includes: John McGurk (editorial director, Scotsman Publications),
John McLellan (editor, Scotland on Sunday), Iain Martin (editor, The
Scotsman), Sally Gordon (Glenfiddich), Sandy Ross (Scottish Television)
and a number of specialist correspondents.
Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman |
scotsman.com |
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