Scots Bars to Become 'Whisky Embassies' A Novel scheme to create a register of "whisky embassies" has been extended to bars across Scotland after notable success in the nation's hotels. It coincides with criticism this week that Scots bar staff know less about the national drink than their foreign counterparts, which has cost whisky sales in pubs. The initiative is part of the ScotlandWhisky project established to promote Scotland and the "water of life". The embassies must meet certain quality standards and, in return, receive rewards to help boost their business, including an entry on the scotlandwhisky.com website and permission to use the ScotlandWhisky logo on promotional material. With landlords throughout the country looking at tourism to supplement their income, the scheme is seen as a good way of increasing sales and widening a bar's customer base. Bar staff can develop their knowledge and a range of skills by attending a training school to learn more about the drink. They include appreciation of the difference between malt and grain whisky, the art of blending, sensory perception and tasting tips. Effective selling techniques are also explained and training materials provided. Chris Conway of ScotlandWhisky said: "Encouraging a better understanding and a real passion for Scotch whisky, as well as selling more of Scotland's national drink, are benefits that whisky embassy status can provide for bar owners and managers no matter where they are." The initial joining fee is £300, of which £150 pays for the training of one member of staff, usually the bar manager, at the Scotch Whisky Training School in Edinburgh. The remaining £150 covers an annual membership fee. Inverness and Dingwall publican and Scottish Licensed Trade licensee of the year Don Lawson welcomed the initiative. "Knowledge makes any establishment more efficient," he said. "This is a fantastic idea because working in a bar is a craft. You've got to learn your craft, and this will add more strength to your craft in terms of knowledge." ScotlandWhisky is backed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, the Scotch Whisky Association, the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre and VisitScotland. Chris Conway can be contacted after the Hogmanay break on 0131 478 7120. Articles Courtesy of The Press and Journal
Rare whisky auctioned for charity Two decanters of rare whisky are being auctioned by a Norfolk-based magazine team to raise money for charity. Malt whisky was collected from several distilleries by Whisky Magazine for the Make Poverty History campaign. The spirit was created to mark the 20th anniversary of Live Aid and is at least 20 years old. Whisky Magazine editor Dominic Roskrow said he hoped to attract bidders who would make it one of the most valuable blended malts. 'Special' whisky "We're not expecting to break any world records because the most expensive whisky ever sold went for nearly £3,000," he said. "But it would be nice to think we could attract the best bid of 2006. "It is a very special whisky and will make a wonderful purchase for the serious collector." One decanter will be auctioned at Whisky Magazine's whisky show in New York in April. The magazine is now accepting bids for the other decanter. Articles Courtesy of bbci news
Top Prices Bid at Sale of Whiskies A Top price of £600 for a bottle of whisky has been paid at a North-east auction. More than 200 people attended the sale of collectable and limited edition whisky at Inverurie's Thainstone Centre. Over 360 lots were up for bids and £600 was paid for a bottle of Glenfarclas Christmas Day 1959. A bottle of Springbank Local Barley, distilled in 1996, went for £340. And a 1963 Glenmorangie Highland Malt went under the hammer for £280. A variety of miniatures and pub memorabilia were also on sale, with a set for Whyte and Mackay Royal Doulton birds of prey going for £380. Articles Courtesy of The Press and Journal
For the whisky enthusiast that has everything Those looking for something extra special for the whisky connoisseur in their life this Christmas can breathe easy! A luxury three day whisky tour of Scotland makes the ideal stocking filler and is being launched just in time for the festive period. The tour has been developed by the ScotlandWhisky initiative which has been set up to promote Scotland and its national drink. Tour highlights include a night's accommodation and Scottish breakfast at the 4 star Channings Hotel in Edinburgh and the 4 star Craigellachie Hotel on Speyside. A three-course whisky dinner at the five star Whisky Heritage Centre in Edinburgh is also included, along with entrance to Edradour Distillery in Pitlochry and the Speyside Cooperage near Craigellachie. A tutored nosing at the The Glenlivet Distillery and a VIP tour of the internationally renowned Glenfiddich Distillery completes the experience. Chris Conway from ScotlandWhisky said: "This is a whisky enthusiast's dream - a luxury experience to be remembered forever." "The hotels featured in the tour are both whisky embassies - part of a network of 59 whisky embassies throughout Scotland that are selected by ScotlandWhisky. Every embassy has a whisky bar and staff specially trained in whisky appreciation. Customers to whisky embassies can be guaranteed that they will have a wonderful choice of Scotch Whiskies, as well as a Scotch Whisky menu with tasting notes. Chris said: "The tour gives ample opportunity for people to stop off in Speyside - the heart of whisky country - to sample some of their favourite malts or to try some of the deluxe and more specialist whiskies that are now available." As well as working with other hotels and tour operators to develop a more extensive range of tours, ScotlandWhisky is currently rolling out the scheme to the bar trade. The whisky tour costs £238 and can be booked by calling 0845 859 1001. For a more detailed tour itinerary and further information about whisky embassies and the ScotlandWhisky initiative visit www.scotlandwhisky.com Articles Courtesy of The Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Whisky group toasts WTO progress REPRESENTATIVES of the Scotch Whisky Association have returned from the Hong Kong WTO meeting expressing "relief" over significant gains towards facilitating trade in Scotland's most valuable export. The SWA had joined forces with the international trade body the World Spirits Alliance to lobby the Doha round meeting for a range of measures, including the reduction of tariff and non-tariff barriers, improved protection against counterfeiting and simplification of customs and certification procedures. "Given that there had been fears that there would be no progress in Hong Kong we are relieved that the whole process is moving forward," said David Williamson, the public affairs spokesman for the SWA. "We are pleased that the ministerial meeting has resulted in an agreement between WTO members, with the opportunity to go further next year. The EU's decision to end export subsidies by 2013 is particularly welcome as we have long advocated the elimination of trade-distorting measures." But he warned that limited progress at Hong Kong, even if better than expected, was not sufficient to allow a let-up in the SWA's lobbying efforts. "Clearly, the first quarter of 2006 is going to be crucial to advancing the Scotch whisky industry's priorities. Our key objective remains improved market access through the reduction of high import tariffs on spirit drinks, for example in India and Thailand, and while much work remains before agreement on a tariff-reduction formula is likely, the signs in Hong Kong were that agreement is possible," added Williamson. "It is encouraging there also appears to have been progress towards an agreement on trade facilitation. It would be good news for an export-orientated business like Scotch whisky if excessive document requirements and onerous customs procedures were simplified." The worldwide spirits industry, including the SWA, is hoping to build on the success of its "zero for zero" agreement in the Uruguay round of the WTO, which secured tariff-free access into major markets such as Japan and Canada. Negotiations during the Doha round comprise part of the SWA's agenda to boost sales in key growth markets such as India and Thailand, where domestic producers of molasses-based spirits are believed to be instrumental in lobbying governments to maintain national and state-level barriers of up to 150 per cent. Non-tariff measures under discussion at Hong Kong included import quotas, licensing requirements and "inappropriate" product standards and labelling requirements. Also under discussion was the EU proposal of a register of geographical indications (GI), an extension of the trade related intellectual property rights agreement during the Uruguay round. EU food and drink producers have advocated a legally binding register of GIs, a move opposed by countries including the US, New Zealand and Canada. Overseas markets SCOTCH exports topped £1billion in the first six months of 2005. Key growth markets were: China +124 per cent to £22m, South Korea +26 per cent to £72m, Thailand +47 per cent to £21m, Taiwan+25 per cent to £44m) and India +19 per cent to £7m. Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman
Jonnie on a run as whisky sales boom South Africans of all income groups are buying more whisky than ever before, and the burgeoning middle market is "buying up", with the tipple of choice this holiday season being Johnnie Walker Black Label.
Retailers reported that this would be a record year as middle-
income customers bought more-expensive brands than previously.
Norman Goodfellow's managing director Solly Kramer said the elite black market now benchmarked itself with international standards of luxury and "only drank the best of the best single-malt whiskies". Articles Courtesy of The Star.co.za
Cheers to whisky sales clamp down TRADING Standards are clamping down on the sale of fake whisky. Thanks to new state of the art equipment, drinkers in Warrington can be assured that they are paying for the real thing and not lining the pockets of rogue traders. A survey, conducted by trading standards, tested the quality of premium whiskys in 40 licensed premises in the town centre and found all of them to be genuine. This is the first time whisky has been able to be tested without being sent to an analyst. Clr Pat Wright, of community services said: "At a time when a lot of the trading standards' resources are being used in the battle against under age sales of alcohol, I am pleased to report that officers are protecting the legitimate consumers." If you are concerned about the quality of drinks that you are buying from pubs and clubs call trading standards on 442678. Articles Courtesy of This is Cheshire
Refurbished whisky case conveying at William Grants CONVEYOR Systems Ltd (CSL) has recently completed a contract for William Grants & Sons Distillers to increase handling efficiencies and the flow of cases from a case erector, located on a mezzanine floor of its bottling hall, down to a manual packing station. With floor space at a premium, CSL looked to cost effectively utilise existing overhead belt conveyors. This in turn created a challenge as the existing conveyor was located over high-value bottling plant and—apart from requiring a total overall—the conveyor had to be re-routed to feed an adjacent bottling line. Exiting from the mezzanine floor through a fire/bonded door, the overhead part-line was over 6 m above the floor, supported by high level roof supports. Access to refurbish the conveyor was difficult, but with careful planning, CSL completed the task of fitting the existing belt conveyor with new belting, drive assembly and tension unit. This conveyor was then integrated with new sections of conveyors—including belt, powered rollers, gravity rollers and two 90 deg skate wheel bends. Close liaison throughout the project was essential to ensure safety of installation, as CSL had to work at height over expensive bottling plant to re-instate and re-route the conveying line, feeding cases down to an easily accessible packing height of 750 mm. Says William Grant project engineer Paul Murray: “Conveyor Systems provided a very cost effective, integrated handling solution, totally refurbishing the discontinued line and installing new conveyor sections, electrics/controls including a panel located on the mezzanine and build back sensors.” Articles Courtesy of Bdinews.com
And now, diet whisky! After diet cola, it's now the turn of diet whisky. Calorie conscious whisky afficionados can take heart. The UB Group's sprit division is planning to introduce McDowell's No. 1 DietMate -- the world's first diet whisky in the domestic market. Sources said that by launching a diet whisky, the company was exploring the opportunity to address a key consumer need for fitness besides infusing excitement into the whisky category. "Currently, the younger consumers continuously seek variety and excitement from the category and the brand. The growing concern among alcohol consumers is that drinking leads to additional weight and obesity," sources said. The diet whisky is a result of diligent R&D efforts by the company. It will have Garcenia, an ancient Indian herb, currently a rage in many western nations. It has the rare ability to burn excess fat and control cholesterol levels in the human body, sources said. "The caramel content in alcohol is the only source of calories. However, it is used in minuscule quantity for the colour of whisky. However, it is the snacks eaten during the consumption of liquor that lead to weight gain," an expert pointed out. Articles Courtesy of Rediff.com
Chivas Brothers Take Top Honours at International Wine & Spirits Competition - Company is awarded "Distiller Of The Year 2005" by IWSC - Second time Chivas has won the coveted award Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky business of Paris-based Pernod Ricard, has been awarded the title of "Distiller Of The Year 2005", by the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), announced Karen Cutaia, Director of Public Relations & Events for Pernod Ricard Canada. The competition, which took place in London England, selected Chivas Brothers as the winner of the distinct title after the brand's diverse portfolio of scotch whiskies were put through a series of rigorous blind tastings that are carried out by a panel of industry experts and professionals. "This win really has crowned what has been a truly momentous year for us. The painstaking investment of time and expertise is key to nurturing a consistently great dram and it is a fantastic accolade to achieve the IWSC Distiller of the Year title for the second time in just three years," said Christian Porta, Chairman and Chief Executive of Chivas Brothers. The International Wine and Spirit Competition is the premier competition of its kind in the world and acknowledges the ultimate achievement. It represents a benchmark of excellence and has been held annually for the last 27 years to reward outstanding quality among the world's best wines, spirits and liqueurs. Additionally, the company's individual brands also took away individual awards including its flagship single malt scotch whisky, The Glenlivet Archive (21 Year Old), which was awarded the Morrison Bowmore Distillers Trophy for single malt scotch whisky (over 12 years old); and its Chivas Regal 18 Year Old won a gold medal in the Scotch Whisky Deluxe Blend 18 Year Old category. The Chivas Brothers brand portfolio available in Canada includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine's, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Strathisla, Longmorn and Beefeater Gin. Established in 1975, by a merger of two French companies, Pernod Ricard is the second largest operator in wines and spirits in the world, the first outside of the United States. Pernod Ricard has strong distribution networks on all continents. Global holding company is based out of Paris, France with Patrick Ricard, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. For more information please visit pernod-ricard.com Articles Courtesy of CCN Matthews
That drinking feeling IT CAN be hard to remember what a great time you had at your Christmas party if you are hungover the next morning. But there are many things you can do to guard against hangovers - and quite a few to help alleviate the worst of their symptoms, too. Here we tell you what they are.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I DRINK ALCOHOL?
When you ingest an alcoholic drink it causes overproduction of stomach acid, irritating your stomach lining. It then goes on to the intestine, where it is absorbed into your bloodstream and transported to your liver, which begins to break down the alcohol (ethanol) into substances which include methanol, acetaldehyde and formic acid. These toxins affect many body systems and processes, causing hangovers.
SO WHY DO I GET HANGOVERS?
Much of the problem is caused by drinking too much alcohol over too short a period of time. The liver can break down one unit of alcohol per hour, so if you drink faster you increase your risk of a hangover. Dr Guy Ratcliffe, the medical director of the Medical Council for Alcohol, says that a major contributing factor to hangovers is the dehydrating effect of alcohol: "Alcohol is a diuretic - a substance which makes you urinate - so during the evening you will lose more water than you take in, and thus dehydrate." Cue the headache. Alcohol increases production of digestive acids and irritates your stomach lining, which is why you may feel nauseous. Intense alcohol consumption can sometimes cause the stomach to bleed.
HOW DO I AVOID HANGOVERS?
Apart from the obvious choice of abstaining from liquor, it is possible to lower your chances of hangover. Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of blood sugar falling, leading to fatigue and dizziness, which will do nothing to make you feel well the next morning, so guard against this by eating a good-sized, well-balanced meal before you drink, and snack throughout the evening.
The next rule is to drink sensibly. The liver breaks down one unit per hour, so drinking faster will inevitably cause problems. Alcohol Concern, the national agency against alcohol misuse, advises drinkers to inform themselves how much alcohol different types and amounts of drinks contain. Alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks or water, to combat the diuretic effect of alcohol. Long drinks such as spritzers or spirits with mixers are a good way to dilute the alcohol content and make your drink last longer.
"Spacing your alcoholic drinks between soft ones will ease the impact on your liver and, if you drink more slowly, it will inevitably lead to a lower alcohol consumption in total," says Ratcliffe
Most people find that darker drinks - for example, red wine and whisky - leave them with worse headaches than lighter ones, such as white wine or gin. This is related to the congeners of each drink, which are the chemicals that give colour, smell and taste. Some evidence suggests that the congeners in red wine increase both your blood histamine level - as in an allergic reaction - and serotonin levels, which can trigger headaches.
Taking the dietary supplement RU21 is reported by some to stave off hangovers. A combination of monosodium glutamate, succinic acid, fumaric acid, vitamin C and glucose, it is said to work by slowing the production of acetaldehyde and speeding up its decomposition into harmless elements. It won't stop you getting drunk.
THE NIGHT BEFORE
"It may mean a more disturbed night's sleep, but if you can drink a few pints of water before bed, you will give your kidneys a head start with getting the toxins out of your system," says Ratcliffe. Another thing you can do is to have a snack before bed, to help stabilise your blood sugar levels.
THE MORNING AFTER
Dehydration is the usually the key cause of hangovers, so the sooner you start drinking water the better. Help replace lost salts and sugars with the World Health Organisation's oral rehydration recipe: one pint of water with a teaspoon of salt and eight of sugar will set you on the right path. The brain becomes waterlogged as a result of too much alcohol, and no longer fits neatly into our skulls, hence the pulsating headache, so take a good painkiller.
• Over-the-counter remedies work for some - if you can keep them down. Resolve Extra combines the paracetamol with the antacid sodium bicarbonate and caffeine, which is thought to increase the analgesic effect of paracetamol.
• Ratcliffe supports the notion of eating yourself better. "Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can make you feel fatigued, so eating a hearty breakfast will help to settle your irritated stomach, absorb the acid and raise your energy levels."
• Hair of the dog can help delay the inevitable. It is the methanol eliminating process which makes you feel really bad, but this only starts after the body has eliminated all the ethanol. Taking another small drink will raise the ethanol level in your body, and can ward off the worst effects of hangover for a while, but don't overdo it.
Whisky profits hit by stores' price war DISCOUNTING by UK supermarket chains is hitting the Scotch whisky industry hard, a leading producer has warned. Roland van Bommel, chief executive of family owned William Grant & Sons said that the company was looking to China and America for growth after finding few opportunities in the UK market. Grants, whose best known brand is the world’s best-selling whisky Glenfiddich, said the big supermarkets were locked into a price war that had hit whisky prices. “It is not being sold as premium brand which means there’s no real profit in the UK market for us,” he said. “We don’t have the same incentive to be innovative as we do elsewhere. Nobody wins as this will hit the smaller distilleries hard as well.” Last week Whyte & Mackay said it was open to offers for its Invergordon distillery as it continues to restructure its business.The firm was reported to have placed the Highland distillery in the shop window as it seeks to reduce its reliance on low-margin production for own-label spirits for supermarkets. Grants would not comment on rumours that it had turned down a £175m deal to buy the Invergordon distillery. Meanwhile Grants is looking to build its Reyka vodka brand in America. The recently launched vodka is made and bottled in Iceland’s only vodka distillery. “There is a really strong market in the US for premium vodka. We’ve started in a few east coast states and so far it is going well,” said van Bommel. Grants recently announced plans to set up a distribution and marketing base in Shanghai, to tap further into the country’s growing market of malt whisky drinkers. Grants reported pre-tax profits of £71.5m for 2004, up 4.1% on the previous year. Articles Courtesy of The Sunday Times
Indian tycoon attacks Scotch whisky policy The Indian government imposes levies of up to 525% on Scotch whisky and other imported spirits, making them prohibitively expensive to most of India's population. This has prompted the industry to complain to the EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson. Indian politician and tycoon Dr Vijay Mallya yesterday launched a scathing attack on the Scotch Whisky Association, saying the body was "extremely hostile" to Indian producers and said unless this changed he would lobby to keep import duties high. The flamboyant Mallya also runs Kingfisher airlines and has been dubbed India's Sir Richard Branson. The beer baron was addressing a seminar in London on Scottish & Newcastle's venture into the Indian beer market. In May, the Edinburgh-based brewer completed the £85m purchase of a 37.5% stake in India's United Breweries, of which Mallya is chairman and is best known for its market leading Kingfisher lager. Mallya, who owns a castle in Perthshire, near Methven, is also an independent MP for the southern state of Karnataka, and so has very good connect-ions in the corridors of power in New Delhi. He said: "The Scotch Whisky Association is extremely hostile to companies worldwide (that are) manufacturing whisky ... if they were universally hostile it might be acceptable, but they are selectively hostile." He asked why alternative source ingredients for whisky were so frowned upon by the SWA? Mallya said a lot of Indian whisky was distilled from sugar cane molasses, rather than cereals, which Scotch whisky is traditionally made from. "The SWA refuses to acknowledge that, and won't let Indian whisky into Europe. As long as that situation continues, we will lobby in India to keep the import duty high," Mallya said. A spokesman for the SWA said this was a labelling and consumer protection issue, adding there are clear European Union guidelines, also supported by the World Customs Organisation, that whisky must be produced from cereals. Articles Courtesy of The Herald
Distillery's Single Malt is the Top Toast A Whisky produced at Elgin's only distillery has been voted Scotch single malt of the year by one of the world's leading whisky writers. Jim Murray has given the 1986 Glen Moray top spot in the latest edition of his Whisky Bible ahead of 3,250 other whiskies. The limited edition malt, restricted to just 276 bottles, was launched to celebrate the opening of Glen Moray's new visitor centre last year. Matured for 17 years in a former bourbon cask, it was hand-bottled at a cask strength of 64.4%. Only a few bottles remain, exclusively available from the distillery, and the malt is set to become a collector's item. Mr Murray, whose Whisky Bible is updated annually, said: "Glen Moray 1986 is one of those whiskies that, once tasted, will never be forgotten." The distillery has been producing whisky since 1897. Articles Courtesy of The Press and Journal
Baxters Outlet a Major Boost for Tullibardine Complex Perthshire's Tullibardine shopping complex is showing signs of becoming a key player in Scotland's growing niche retail market, according to owner Kenmore Property Group. The development, just off the A9 Perth-Stirling road at Blackford, took a major leap forward last month with the opening of a £2.5million, 28,000sq ft Baxters outlet. Kenmore, which said it was on target to claim a "major stake" in Scotland's quality retail niche market at Tullibardine, is now looking to complete its letting of the site. It aims to sign up "quality retailers whose profile complements the mix and ethos of the development" for the remaining 10,000sq ft floor space. Baxters occupies 55% of the retail space at Tullibardine after opening a 250-seat restaurant, speciality food stores and whisky, beer, wine, cookware, gift and clothing shops. Audrey Baxter, the food group's chief executive, said: "With the prime location of this new development, we believe this site will be a flagship store for Baxters. "The A9 is probably the key tourist route to the Highlands and our positioning means we can get the Baxters brand across to a global audience, at the same time serving one of our core marketplaces in Scotland." Also up and running at Tullibardine is outdoor clothing and equipment retailer Graham Tiso, whose new 5,000sq ft store incorporates a National Geographic zone and bike-hire business. Chief executive Chris Tiso said: "We are very excited about being part of this new centre and believe it will allow us to reach a wide range of customers who are looking for the highest quality Scottish products." A new speciality whisky shopping outlet with a range of branded gifts and a cafe complements the adjacent Tullibardine Distillery, which gives its name to the development. Visitors are encouraged to take the distillery tour as part of the Tullibardine experience. Fine arts and antique specialist Theme Interiors completes the line-up of retailers now on site. The 49,000sq ft combined shopping and visitor attraction has been developed to maximise a location giving easy access to 22,000 vehicles passing daily and 2.8million customers within 45 minutes' drive. Tullibardine was designed and project managed by Edinburgh-based Project Management Partnership and is the latest in Kenmore's development pipeline following the completion of Sentinel, a 84,000sq ft Glasgow city centre office building, earlier this year. Articles Courtesy of The Press and Journal
Scotland's Whisky Distillers Urged to Maintain Enterprising Spirit A Top-level warning has been issued that the future of the Scotch whisky industry must not be taken for granted. It was made yesterday as distillers and ministers joined forces to help to promote the industry.The new partnership agreement aims to boost exports, encourage tourism, ensure fair tax and regulation, and promote responsible attitudes towards alcohol. The document, Scotland's Enterprising Spirit, signed by Scotch Whisky Association chairman Ian Good and Deputy Enterprise Minister Allan Wilson updates an earlier agreement from 2000. The whisky industry is a vital part of the Scottish economy, supporting 41,000 jobs and generating £800million of income a year. Every year, more than £2billion worth of whisky is exported - contributing £70 a second to the balance of trade - making it one of the UK's top five manufactured export earners. Speaking at the Glengoyne distillery in Glasgow, Mr Good said as modern businesses, distillers were leading the way on the international stage. He said: "Scotch whisky can only be made in Scotland and decisions taken at home today will have an impact on industry competitiveness in the future. "Continuing success cannot be taken for granted. We are therefore delighted to be able to renew our commitment to work closely with the Scottish Executive, building on past co-operation, to ensure distillers can meet successfully the opportunities and challenges the industry faces globally today, and to grow Scotch whisky and the wider Scottish economy." The document says the industry must be allowed to concentrate on making whisky rather than be tied up in unnecessary red tape. In it the executive promises to support manufacturers where EU and UK policies have an unfair impact on competitiveness and will take steps to ensure that the regulatory burden is kept to a "sensible minimum". The document calls for a review of UK duty to reduce the burden on the whisky industry in relation to other sectors of the alcohol market and the executive pledges to support the case for "genuine tax harmonisation" across Europe. Mr Wilson said: "The executive is committed to doing all within its power to provide its wholehearted support to an industry so successful and vital to Scotland's economy. "I am confident that by continuing to work hand-in-hand with the sector, Scotland's whisky industry can continue to flourish and further strengthen its global reputation." Articles Courtesy of The Press and Journal
Executive and distillers plan to enshrine whisky labelling in law WHISKY industry officials and Scottish politicians are pushing Westminster to ensure new whisky labelling rules are enshrined in law by the Scottish Parliament. News of the development emerged at Glengoyne dist-illery near Glasgow during the launch of a partnership agreement between the Scotch whisky industry and the Scottish Executive . If the campaign is successful, it would be the first time that any legal issue surrounding the industry has been legislated north of the border, although it is likely no amendment to the Scotland Act would be required. The whisky industry believes that the challenge is how best to legislate to ensure that the rules are applicable throughout the UK, given that the new law will originate in Scotland. The Scotch Whisky Association, which represents some 98% of the country's distillers, has already come out in favour of the transfer of power. "It would be a natural area for the Scottish Parliament to legislate in," said David Williamson, an SWA spokesman. The idea is for Scotland to protect the integrity of whisky and its own intellectual property – particularly in an industry which sustains 41,000 Scottish jobs, generates £800m of annual income in Scotland and spends around £700m with Scottish suppliers. Alan Wilson, deputy enterprise minister, who was at Glengoyne to toast the partnership document with Ian Good, chairman of the SWA, also signalled his support for plan. "This is a work in progress," Wilson said. The legislation, which is expected to come into force during 2007, will legally ensure that distillers and distributors stick to new labelling protocols. Designed to prevent consumer confusion or deception, the labels are also intended to improve public understanding of whisky categories, as well as protecting Scotch whisky from illegal traders at home and abroad. Williamson said: "The intention is to now seek primary legislation – a new Scotch Whisky law – which will supersede the Scotch Whisky Act 1988 and Order 1990. "This is likely to be through the Scottish Parliament. "We are already discussing the way forward with both the Scottish Executive and the department for environment, food and rural affairs, and hope that, given its importance to the industry, the proposals will attract cross-party support." He added: "As Scotch whisky is not a reserved matter, no changes are envisaged to the Scotland Act, but we are discussing with the executive and the UK government how best to legislate to ensure that the rules are applicable throughout the UK." While Scotch whisky has been defined for many years, the category descriptions, such as single malt, have been dictated by convention. This has led to a variety of descriptions being used on labels – with, for example, both single malts and blended malts described as pure malts. Under the proposed new labels, it will be will compulsory for whisky producers to use the appropriate category name. The proposed categories are single malt Scotch whisky, single grain Scotch whisky, blended Scotch whisky, blended malt and blended grain Scotch whisky. Additional protection is proposed for traditional regional names, such as Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Campbeltown and Islay – a move designed to defend Scotch whisky from "unfair competition in its export markets". The catalyst for the wide-ranging plan was a recent high-profile row between the SWA and spirits giant Diageo, which saw the maker of whiskies including Johnnie Walker and J&B forced to stop labelling its Cardhu offering as a pure malt. The brand, which had originally described a single malt, was applied to a blend of malts taken from more than one distillery. Meanwhile, the new partnership document – an extension of the 2000 agreement – outlined other areas where the executive can help to make whisky a bigger success. These included plans to increase exports, particularly in emerging markets, ensure a fair whisky tax and to promote responsible attitudes towards alcohol. Articles Courtesy of The Times
Whisky Galore set to Waft over Barra Again Plans for a distillery on the Scottish island that was immortalised by the cult film Whisky Galore have taken a leap forward. The two entrepreneurs behind the plan have now bought the water supply they need to supply the £1million distillery that they hope to start building work on in Barra next year. Andrew Currie, who in 1995 built a new distillery in Arran, and whisky expert Peter Brown said the acquisition of the Loch Uisge reservoir from Scottish Water at an auction now allowed them to progress with their proposal. Mr Currie said: "This has removed a major hurdle; now we can start to get the project moving." Mr Currie said he would not be able to get and sell the concept to prospective investors. The hope is to have whisky from the distillery on the market in 2010. Barra became linked to Scotland's national drink after villagers pillaged 2,000 cases of whisky from a grounded ship in 1941. The story was made into a film shot by director Alexander Mackendrick. Articles Courtesy of The Press and Journal
Rare whisky lovers pay for a taste of the future NEW laws to define Scotch whisky categories correctly could be introduced as early as spring 2007, the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) announced yesterday. The timetable was revealed after the launch of a new co-operation agreement between the SWA and the Scottish Executive, which SWA chairman Ian Good claimed would "ensure the industry is equipped to deal with future opportunities and challenges". Good said the new "framework" aims to improve co-operation on the most important industrial promotion and trade issues surrounding the £2 billion export industry, which currently supports more than 40,000 jobs in Scotland. On the issue of categorisation, new guidelines agreed by the industry could come before the Scottish Parliament within 18 months. The SWA was in talks with the Executive and the UK Department of Trade and Industry to examine "the precise mechanics of that legislative process and how best to ensure that the rules are applicable throughout the UK". Whisky categories became a sensitive issue in 2003 when a bitter dispute erupted over Diageo's decision, prompted by low stocks, to change its Cardhu brand from a single malt to a "pure malt" [ie malt blend]. The decision was seen by Diageo's competitors as an abuse of industry muscle with potentially damaging effects on the integrity of all malt bransd. The dispute that followed threatened to break up the SWA and led to the setting up of a working group to consider the definitions and labelling issues. It took 12 months to agree on five categories: single malt, single grain, blended, blended malt and blended grain, as well as introducing more rigorous protection of regional names, such as "Speyside" and "Islay". Yesterday, Good said the new categorisation would now "ensure consumers receive clear and consistent information and to prevent misleading marketing". His new joint-strategy document, entitled Scotland's Enterprising Spirit, also set out areas of co-operation including skills development and investment through the Executive's main industry-supporting financial mechanism, the Regional Selective Assistance, and the encouragement of co-operation with the tourism organisation, VisitScotland. The Executive also committed itself to supporting the SWA's efforts to boost exports in developing markets by lobbying against punitive tariffs (see panel left), and reducing the impact of red tape. The Scotch whisky industry currently sells into 200 markets worldwide. Exports have grown from £2.38bn in 1990 to £2.69bn in 2004. Alan Gray, a whisky analyst for stockbrokers Charles Stanley Sutherland, said: "It's high time that the Executive got together with the industry to strategically maximise the benefits to Scotland. Our problem is that separate industries tend to plough their own furrow. The Executive should be bringing whisky together with other key industries like tourism to cross-fertilise ideas. " THE type of Executive/SWA co-operation on trade issues is perfectly illustrated by enterprise minister Nicol Stephen's recent talks with the Indian government, which sought to reduce local and national tariffs on imported Scotch whisky. Stephen argued that reducing tariffs will have four particular benefits for the Indian government: fewer black market products; an increase in the country's tax take; a commitment by Scottish exporters to invest in high-quality distribution networks across India and greater choice and opportunity for the Indian consumer. Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman
Partnership to secure whisky future Scotch whisky distillers and ministers have joined forces to help secure the future of the industry. A new partnership agreement aims to increase exports, ensure fair industry tax and regulation and encourage proposals for new laws to define Scotch whisky. The document, Scotland's Enterprising Spirit, signed by Scotch Whisky Association chairman Ian Good and deputy enterprise minister Allan Wilson, also promotes responsible attitudes towards alcohol. It will build on an earlier pledge between ministers and the industry which was published in 2000. Speaking at Glengoyne distillery, near Glasgow, Mr Good said Scotch whisky supported more than 40,000 jobs and that Scottish distillers were modern businesses, leading the way on the international stage. "Scotch Whisky can only be made in Scotland and decisions taken at home today will have an impact on industry competitiveness in the future," he said. "We are therefore delighted to be able to renew our commitment to work closely with the Scottish Executive, building on past co-operation, to ensure distillers can successfully meet the opportunities and challenges the industry faces globally today, and to grow Scotch whisky and the wider Scottish economy." Mr Wilson added: "The Executive is committed to doing all within its power to provide its wholehearted support to an industry so successful and vital to Scotland's economy. "I am confident that by continuing to work hand-in-hand with the sector, Scotland's whisky industry can continue to flourish and further strengthen its global reputation." The Scotch whisky industry is one of the UK's top five manufactured export earners, with more than £2 billion of it exported every year. Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman
Rare whisky lovers pay for a taste of the future THE distillery has not yet been built, its first single malt will not be ready until 2017 and the exclusive members’ club it aims to create is still a derelict old hayloft. You might think that investors who coughed up £1,850 for a rare dram that is no more than a twinkle in its creator’s eye might be advised to take more water with it. Already, though, more than 330 whisky lovers have paid that for the privilege of being first in the queue for this new private members distillery. In its glossy brochures the Ladybank private distillery in Fife is described as a “luxurious country club with one difference — here the activity is focused on the special mystique that is the production of fine single malt whisky”. But as he strolled around the empty old mill intended to be a sort of “your good health club”, the distillery’s founder, James Thomson, admitted yesterday that it required a leap of imagination to see how his dream would take shape. Although architects’ plans have been circulated to members, the empty old farm buildings at the end of a narrow track will not begin to be converted until next spring. Production will not start for another year after that. The cost of the project is estimated at £2.7 million, of which more than £1 million has already been raised. The empty cattle shed destined to become the distillery’s mash room was covered in mud and the feathers of dead birds yesterday. In the old hayloft across the courtyard, which will be the club’s private dining room, the wind howled in through a hole in the roof and an old plough horse bridle lay abandoned on the floor. Mr Thomson envisages his members attending whisky-making classes in the converted 18th century mill or taking a stroll in an adjacent “secret Victorian garden”, with rockeries, grotto and a pond. Those especially pressed for time will be able to land their helicopters on the lawn. In return for their payment, a maximum of 1,250 members will be entitled to six bottles of single malt whisky per year for 50 years, starting in 2017, when the first Ladybank malt will be ready to drink. Whisky production will be on a small scale, with about 25,000 litres distilled per year compared with between one and two million for most whisky distilleries. The whisky will be shared among members and “VIP customers” with little, if any, sold commercially. Members will also have access to the rooms, dining area and library of the adjoining Ladybank private members’ club, expected to be completed by 2007. One investor, Bengt Larsson, 59, said that the idea of owning part of a distillery was unique. Mr Larsson, an IT consultant who lives near Stockholm, said: “It is definitely a lot of money, but I wasn’t that fast to put it up and I had a couple of weeks to think about it. “I really believe in the project. I have been over twice and I love the site. When you go there you feel you are involved with it.” The second tranche of 250 membership places is now on sale, this time at £3,250 each. Mr Thomson is even hoping to interest Chinese enthusiasts in the project. He said: “Our members will be able to decide how they want their whisky, whether they want it peaty or not too peaty, how they want it bottled. “In an age where people want access and control, this is all about getting the whisky lover behind the scenes. It is a bit like sitting down with Gordon Ramsay for dinner and being able to tell him exactly what you want to eat.” And, it’s true, investing in an upmarket drink factory is far less risky than trying to tell Gordon Ramsay exactly what you want to eat. Articles Courtesy of The Times
Jim Beam high on local operations Fresh investments to strengthen Teacher’s brand, launches of int brands. Jim Beam Brands, the spirits and wine business arm of the $7 billion Fortune Brands Inc, which acquired more than 20 leading international liquor brands, including Teacher’s Scotch whisky, from Pernod Ricard recently, has ambitious plans to further strengthen its market share in India. The company would pump in fresh investments in India to expand the market by increasing its marketing personnel and promotional activities. Jim Beam Brands is also planning to introduce four to five new brands from its international portfolio in India, said Rupert Patrick, vice-president (global travel and retail and affiliates), Jim Beam Brands. Patrick, however, declined to reveal the size of investment for the market expansion activities planned for India. Teacher’s Scotch whisky currently enjoys about 45 per cent market share in India in the bottled-in-India Scotch segment. Rupert Patrick, who was in the city to attend the Teacher’s Achievement Awards 2005, said that Jim Beam has keen interest in the growth of Teacher’s Scotch portfolio in India. “We will invest in the continued growth of our leading brands with a strong emphasis on marketing. The overall strategy includes leveraging our broader and stronger portfolio to support brand growth and capitalise on new international growth opportunities,” he added. The Illinois-based Fortune Brands had recently completed the acquisition of the spirit and wine brands and related assets from Pernod Ricard following Pernod’s acquisition of Allied Domecq, one of the leading wine and spirit companies in the world. Fortune is currently in the process of integrating the businesses of the acquired entity globally. The global acquisition of Allied Domecq business includes international brands such as Teacher’s Scotch whisky, Souza tequila, Courvoisier cognac, Canadian Club whisky, Laphroaig single malt Scotch and Clos du Bois wines. Fortune Brands is also acquiring leading national brands in the UK, Spain and Germany and the distribution operations of Allied Domecq in these markets for California wine and Pernod Ricard’s Larios brand and the production facilities related to the brands. Patrick said that the acquisition of these brands will more than double the revenue of Jim Beam Brands and place it among the top four spirits companies in the world. Articles Courtesy of Business Standard
Record Tonnage of Grain handled by Farmer-owned Company East of Scotland Farmers, the Coupar Angus-based grain co-operative, has reported increased turnover and profits. The farmer-owned business said pre-tax profits rose £43,000 to £148,000 on turnover that was up £246,000 at £8.46million in the year to May 31. Chairman Bob Morris said East of Scotland Farmers had handled a record tonnage of grain in the year from its 130 grain suppliers. General manager Robin Barron believed changes were imminent in the malting barley market, where East of Scotland works in handling, storing and marketing its members' grain as well as supplying fertiliser, seed and providing a contracting operation. He said: "The (malting) sector will continue to focus on the requirements of the Scotch whisky industry, at the expense of brewing malt for export. Growers will increasingly have to produce a specific variety for a specific market within a stipulated specification." Mr Barron said if malting barley prices are to recover from current lows, producers should only grow it to contract. The fact that many continue to grow malting barley without an end market in sight resulted in oversupply and poorer prices for everyone in the chain. He added: "At East of Scotland Farmers, strong relations with both Diageo and Greencore, mean that members are well placed to be among the industry's survivors." Articles Courtesy of The Press and Journal
Whisky Around the World The French do it more than us, the Russians show off while doing it, the Japanese love doing it more than anyone and the Chinese often do it all together - standing up and very fast. Drinking whisky has never been more popular and it is now enjoyed in more than 100 countries worldwide The theme for St Andrew's Day this year is "One Scotland, Many Cultures", and since whisky is enjoyed by more people and more cultures than any other Scottish product, it seems only appropriate to celebrate its success by looking at all the different ways in which more than a billion bottles of whisky a year are now enjoyed everywhere from Chile to Scandinavia and from Mumbai to New England. Today, across the world, an average of more than 1,000 measures of Scottish whisky are being drunk every second of every day. And if you stacked up all the bottles of Scottish whisky that were sold last year, they would reach more than three-quarters of the way to the moon. Thailand is the only country where almost as many women drink whisky as men. But although it is now the third biggest whisky market, most people are only just discovering the appeal of single malt whiskies. The Glenlivet, for example, is only just about to be launched there. Ladies in Hong Kong have begun a major new trend that is sweeping through China - mixing Scotch whisky with green tea - they regard it as much healthier and more delicious than other alcoholic drinks. In southern Europe, by far the most common way to drink whisky is with coke, and since everyone knows it would be sacrilege to drink a single malt in such a way, sales are generally much lower than in northern Europe. The French drink more whisky than the British and three times more than the Germans, and they are particularly keen on Scottish malts. In fact, they drink more malts than any other country - even the US - so a bottle of whisky makes a great present to take to France. In Scandinavia, there are such high taxes on spirits that a good bottle of whisky can cost as much as £100. More whisky is consumed in India than in any other nation. Most of it is relatively inexpensive, but single malts have recently begun to attain a cult following, and a highly competitive craze for collecting as many different brands as possible is now spreading across the country. Probably the most dramatic way of drinking whisky can be found in China. A ritual known as a "yam seng" (which roughly equates to "bottoms up") starts with the "leader", or most senior person at the table, standing up. He then gets everyone around the table to stand and join him in chanting "yaaaaaaaaaam" loudly and for as long as possible. Just as people are finally running out of breath, everyone shouts "seng" and downs their glass of Scotch whisky in one go. At a large party, each table will normally do one "yam seng" on their own and another, as a way of showing their respect, with the centre table - where all the most important people sit. VIPs may have to perform 10 or more "yam sengs" and somehow remain sober. A man who becomes rowdy or loses control of himself would suffer a loss of face and be regarded as weak or foolish, whereas a man who can drink a lot of whisky without any effect is thought of as strong and trustworthy. In Korea, an evening meal is usually not meant to be enjoyed, it is merely designed to fill people's stomachs and prepare them for an evening spent enjoying good whisky with friends. Scottish whisky has really taken off in South Korea over the last few years and single malts are now hugely popular. In South America, single malt whiskies are only just starting to become popular in the most affluent sectors of society in Chile and Argentina. There are many people in Australia and New Zealand with Scottish roots who celebrate St Andrew's Day with a taste of the old country - often in the form of a wee dram. Although most people usually drink beer, that doesn't mean that a bottle of single malt won't be very much appreciated. Just don't be surprised if you end up drinking it on the beach one evening with a "barbie". It will taste fantastic in the sea air. The Scots have a rather nice custom of offering a visitor or a tradesman a wee dram - especially when they live somewhere rather remote. Whisky is more than just a drink in Scotland; for many, it is a part of everyday life. Raising a glass of whisky is the perfect way to celebrate all that's best about Scotland - whether you live in Shetland or Shanghai. Articles Courtesy of The Press and Journal
Hic, hic, hurray - a World Whiskies Conference! LONDON: Scotland - the home of Scotch - will be the venue of the first World Whiskies Conference in April 2006 to discuss latest trends in the industry, including the large markets in India and China. This year, China has already driven the half-year figures for worldwide sale of Scotch beyond the one billion pound barrier - the first time since 1997. But industry sources say there is growing frustration that major markets such as India had in place high import duties on Scotch that prevented the expected growth in sales. Russia and countries in Eastern Europe are also said to be 'emerging spirit-drinking markets'. India imposes a standard import tax of 150 percent plus a further variable duty on Scotch and other imported spirits. Some Indian states also levy an additional state tax over and above this charge. The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) considers this to be double taxation, and in breach of World Trade Organisation regulations. The overall tax burden on imported spirits in India varies between 212.5 percent and 525 percent. Although around 90 million cases of spirits are sold in India each year, Scotch accounts for less than one percent of this market, with exports to India last year accounting for 14 million pounds. The SWA believes the tax system is spawning grey market imports and fake versions of well-known Scotch brands. The two-day global whisky summit from April 20 next year - the brainchild of former Glenmorangie marketing director Ian Buxton - will aim to tackle a number of key issues such as counterfeiting and growth in emerging markets. Buxton told the media: "There are other conferences that focus on the spirits industry but we wanted to create something that is specifically for the global whisky industry. It is the first time that anyone has put on an in-depth focused conference like this that spans the whole sector. It is a global industry with a huge presence in America, Canada, Ireland and Japan." Leonard Russell, managing director of Glengoyne distillery and a member of the advisory panel said: "The main subject that is dominating the industry right now is China. "The market is still quite small but it looks like it could be quite big, and the industry will be focusing on that to see how big it could be. That is the medium to long-term hope for the industry." The Scotch industry has been pleasantly surprised at the large growth in sales this year in China, where the latest fashion of the middle class is to consume and offer Scotch laced with green tea. The concoction is reported to be particularly popular in China as a tipple for friends visiting a bar, where they fill a jug with ice, pour in some whisky and then top it up with green tea. Scotch dealers never imagined their drink would be put to such use. A spokesman of SWA said: "Personally, I wouldn't touch it for all the tea in China but different people have different tastes and there's a range of ways to enjoy Scotch whisky." Articles Courtesy of New Ind Press
Christmas cask of whisky will be ready presently LADIES, now listen here! Unless you're afflicted by Attention Deficit Disorder (evidently there's a lot of it about), I don't want excuses. It's time to ponder what to give the man in your life for Christmas, the man who's got everything. Here's the very dab. A cask of Scotch. He'll love you for it. And he won't leave you. Not for ten years anyway. The Tullibardine Distillery at Blackford, Perthshire, will do you a cask of new spirit, made from malted barley, yeast and water, and stamp your man's name and number on it. But he can't start guzzling the nectar on Christmas Day, so if he's an alcoholic, obviously you'll have problems. The distillery up there, run by Edinburgh entrepreneurs Doug Ross and Mike Beamish, store it in their warehouse, by law, and allow it to mature into Tullibardine single highland malt whisky, 40 per cent vol. The stuff to put hairs on his chest. Meantime, for a stocking filler, a chest wig. Stop chuntering, Gibson, and get to the bottom line, you're screaming. Oh, you mean cost? A mere £790, including storage and excluding duty and VAT. You're always free, the pair of you, to nip up the road and give Mr Wonderful's personal cask an affectionate pat. Ten years hence it will hatch 350 bottles. I'm dribbling already just scribbling about it. Delightful double act It could have become a nut house. But no, Little Britain's Matt Lucas and David Walliams, a sell-out at the Playhouse at the weekend, behaved impeccably in the hotel next door, the Glasshouse. Its general manager Daniel Pereira admits: "Having seen their TV exploits, I was a bit apprehensive. Good as gold, they were polite and generous to the staff. "They enjoyed their stay with us so much that they're coming back to the Glasshouse in February for two more Playhouse gigs." The hotel's carpets survived intact. We are all relieved. Boys against Bairns We have the technology. An electronic scoreboard now decorates Easter Road's south stand. Alas, we don't have a defence. At least not for 90 minutes on Saturday. A right bunch of wallies walloped by Falkirk. And, alas again, we no longer have Russell Latapy. How we could have used a player of his skill and maturity in the middle of the park. Man among boys. Nightmare on Easy Street for Falkirk. But great value for neutrals (yet to meet one, by the way). You ask 1, Do you know that a member of the Dubai royal family owns Highland Spring water? 2, Why did Steve Cardownie, who defected from Labour to SNP, cast a crucial vote with Labour that kept transport bungler Andrew Burns in his job? Replies 1, No. But I'll keep it in mind. 2, Don't ask me, I try not to get involved in local politics. What's forever happening at Westminster is sleazy enough. Last words . . . apropos the delights of Dubai, presented for your delectation in a previous column, remember that once you've seen one shopping centre, you've seen a mall. Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman
Glenfiddich praises itself with angel-themed mailing Glenfiddich: angel-themed mailer LONDON – Partying angels show Glenfiddich drinkers why the whisky is superior to others in a relationship programme mailing created by Presky Maves. The envelope stands out on doormats because it is illustrated with a pre-Raphaelite angel blowing a trumpet under which the recipient's address hangs. Presky Maves developed the angel angle after whisky buyers told client researchers that when they are faced with three similarly priced brands on the shop shelf, they will buy the single malt Scotch whisky that has spent the most time aging in the cask. Compared with its immediate competitors in the single malt market, Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old Special Reserve is matured for two years longer. Presky Maves' creative centres on the generally well-known whisky tale, the "angel's share", the name for the 2% of the spirit that permeates through the cask into the air during the maturation process. Inside the envelope, further illustrations and copy push the theory that the angels around the Glenfiddich distillery must have a longer, and party better than those at distilleries that only mature their whisky for 10 years. Stuart Woodlington, creative director at Presky Maves, said: "We could have just said Glenfiddich matures its whisky for two years longer, but we think this is a truly engaging idea and the beautiful art direction really reflects the festive season." If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the Forum. Articles Courtesy of Brand Republic
Famous Grouse Director Gets £100,000 Rise The highest-paid director at Glasgow whisky maker Edrington Group was paid £417,000 in the last financial year. The annual report released at the weekend by Companies House said the unnamed director's salary package included £78,000 from an annual incentive plan and £20,000 from employee share schemes. The top earning director is understood to be chief executive Ian Curle. The previous year he got £310,000 with no incentive plan or share scheme paid. The company said in July when it released the results for the year to the end of March that competitive pricing in the sector, particularly around Christmas, had hit its annual profits. Underlying profits still edged up 3.7% in the year to March 31. Edrington's key brands are The Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark, The Macallan and Highland Park. Articles Courtesy of The Press and Journal
New warning to Maltsters Further rationalisation is required by maltsters across Europe if overcapacity in the sector is to be resolved. Euan Macpherson, the chairman of the Maltsters Association of Great Britain, said 360,000 tonnes of capacity had already been taken out in the UK and Europe. Maltings closed in Scotland include those at Carnoustie and Kirkcaldy. But Mr Macpherson said more had to be done, even if it resulted in the UK industry suffering more pain. He added: "The UK closures are directly linked to lost export sales, and losing 160,000 tonnes of malt exports will mean a reduction of UK barley purchases for malting this year. "Lost sales of this magnitude means a reduction of overseas earnings of around £28million." Farmers were, however, reassured by Mr Macpherson that barley would still be required with an expected 1.7million tonnes likely to be bought by UK maltsters next harvest for both the brewing and distilling sectors. But the question being asked by many farmers is how maltsters and their customers can justify current prices. Distillers are currently reporting increased profits on whisky they made with barley that a decade ago was costing about £140 a tonne; £60 more than they pay currently. There are also few brewers who have seen profits fall in the last year. At the same time, though, many arable farmers are producing grain at a loss. Mr Macpherson said his members required increased selling prices if they are to address escalating energy costs. These too have also hit farmers, as well as every other business sector. The chairman said the UK's lead on malt assurance and brand protection through its new Assured UK Malt scheme should have helped address issues selling product overseas. But he said new maltings coming into production elsewhere in the world had worsened the situation, with British product again either being sold at minimal margin or at a loss in an oversupplied global marketplace. Russia too had moved from being an important customer of the British industry to becoming a potential exporter of malt after adding additional production capacity. Mr Macpherson said maltsters in Europe were continuing to fight for a better deal globally. Many overseas competitors had set up bilateral trade agreements which could effectively freeze the European sector out of world markets. Mr Macpherson added: "EU maltsters are urging the European Commission to address this issue through the WTO. If multilateral trade arrangements are stalled, then the EU should consider the bilateral route before we are further disadvantaged." . Articles Courtesy of The Press and Journal
Distiller plans a dram in Shanghai THE company behind one of the world’s most famous malt whisky brands, Glenfiddich, is to set up its own business operations in China, writes John Penman. Independent family-owned distillers William Grant & Sons is making the move to increase opportunities for its portfolio of premium spirits brands. The new company, William Grant & Sons Shanghai, will be operational from January next year as the company seeks to exploit the Chinese market. The Chinese business, based in Shanghai, will have national coverage but focus on four key provinces — Shanghai, Beijing, Guangdong and Fujian. William Grant & Sons’ new operations in China are part of the company’s strategy to focus on developing the market for its brands, which include Glenfiddich, Grant’s, The Balvenie and the recently acquired Raynal French brandy. Emerging spirit-drinking markets such as China, Russia and eastern Europe have injected much-needed sales into the whisky industry. Figures from the Scotch Whisky Association show for the first six months of this year that a boom in exports to China helped half-year figures for worldwide sales of Scotch whisky break through the £1 billion barrier, the first time it has happened since 1997. Roland van Bommel, William Grant & Sons’ chief executive, said he believed the move came at the right time for the company. “The economic growth rate in China combined with recent significant sales growth in Scotch whisky and other premium spirits categories offer a great opportunity for our business,” he said. Articles Courtesy of The Sunday Times
Landlords are being issued with a new code of conduct to tackle Britain's alcohol problems THE biggest names in the drinks industry yesterday unveiled a new code of conduct designed to curb Britain's chronic problems with alcohol. They claimed the guidelines would ensure that landlords promote a "sensible drinking message" that will reduce dramatically the alcohol-fuelled violence that is the scourge of town and city centres at the weekend. But a leading alcohol charity last night poured scorn on the new code and said it lacked "teeth" as it did not carry the threat of harsh penalties for businesses that failed to comply. Alcohol Concern's chief executive, Srabani Sen, said: "The guidance needs to have teeth. It needs to have sanctions for not complying. It is very important that the industry themselves act to clamp down on bad practices." The drinks industry code launched in Manchester yesterday was developed in association with the government. It sets out measures to ensure that alcohol is advertised, marketed and sold responsibly. In its eight guiding principles, the code reminds the drinks industry that it must not promote its produce to under-18s, make claims that alcohol can improve someone's social, sexual or physical performance and it must actively discourage people from illegal activities, including drink driving. So far 16 industry bodies from across the UK, including the Scotch Whisky Association, representing pubs, bars, shops and restaurants have signed up. The launch of an industry code of conduct comes in the wake of farcical scenes in the Scottish Parliament as MSPs plunged Scotland's licensing laws into confusion. Despite a pledge to redraw the law to combat binge drinking and alcohol- fuelled violence, the politicians ultimately voted for 24-hour pub opening while restricting by two hours in the morning the times alcohol can be sold in shops. Campaigners reacted with dismay, claiming that three years of consultation and debate had been ignored as MSPs had ultimately voted against the majority views of the drinks industry. Paul Goggins, a Home Office minister, said: "The industry has a clear responsibility to ensure that bars, off-licenses, supermarkets and clubs are run in a way that promotes good practice." He warned that legal action might be taken against businesses that flouted the guidelines, although no specific charge has been created to punish a breach of the code. Alcohol Concern yesterday published its own charter for the drinks industry to stop alcohol misuse. And it called on pub owners to police themselves more strictly after Holyrood's changes to the licensing laws. The charity said that it wanted licensees to crack down on alcohol sales to drunk or underage customers. It also urged landlords to rule among themselves to stop "irresponsible" drinks promotions, which have been blamed for binge drinking. A spokesman for the British Beer and Pub Association, which co-ordinated the development of the new code, said the industry was "determined to promote the highest possible standards". He added: "We recognise that we have a role to play in addressing alcohol misuse, and this shows our commitment to working with the government to tackle these problems." Articles Courtesy of The Scotsman
Rushin' to Buy Whisky SINGLE malt whisky is on course to be the biggest selling imported spirit in Russia for the first time in almost 200 years. Scots malts are expected to sell more than traditional favourite Cognac this year. It will be the first time since 1812, when Napoleon invaded Russia, that Cognac has been knocked off the top position. The biggest selling single malts in Russia are currently Glenfiddich, Macallan, Glenmorangie and Bruichladdich. Experts say more than 100,000 litres - around 150,000 bottles - will be sold by the end of this year, with malt exports to Russia breaking the £8million barrier for the first time. Mark Reynier, chief of Islay's independent Bruichladdich distillery, said: "For a small independent distiller such as ourselves to be the fourth largest seller in Russia is a real David and Goliath story." Dominic Roskrow, editor of Whisky Magazine, said: "Whenever a country gains wealth, the people want to buy luxury goods and, in Russia, Scotch malt whisky is considered one of those things." Premium vodka is the biggest selling Russian top end spirit, with 13million litres sold last year. Articles Courtesy of The Daily Record
Pernod ready to cull Scots workforce PERNOD Ricard has kicked off a major review of its operations in Scotland in what looks to be the beginning of a much-expected clear-out of the former Allied Domecq workforce - a move that could result in hundreds of jobs being lost north of the Border. Speculation that Pernod, the world's second largest drinks company, is to slash Allied's 1,200-strong workforce in Scotland has been rife since its £7.6 billion takeover in July. News that a strategic review has now started, with a view to cutting excess capacity, is the latest sign that the integration and consolidation process has started in earnest. When the deal was completed, analysts said Pernod would be left with an overcapacity in Scotland and would have to "rationalise" certain functions to achieve the £300 million savings it is targeting. An industry insider told The Scotsman yesterday that a review had now started in earnest. HR and communications teams have both been laid off, and other moves could result in significant Scottish job losses next spring, when it is expected to be finished, he said. "The whisper in the Scotch whisky industry is that they're looking to centralise all bottling at Kilmalid [Dumbarton], which is bigger and more modern, plus it has plenty of room for expansion," he told The Scotsman. "The Chivas bottling plant at Paisley could be closed and the land sold off for development, while the bottling plant at Newbridge also looks to be under threat." The source said Pernod was also looking at its brand portfolio to determine "which ones they want to retain and grow and which other ones could be sold". Pernod already owns Chivas Brothers and Glenlivet in Scotland and has two large new facilities at Paisley and Newbridge, to the west of Edinburgh, employing 500 and 150 res
