Bruichladdich creates UK distribution arm

Bruichladdich has created a new UK distribution arm to handle the Islay distillery’s range of single malt Scotch whiskies and The Botanist gin.

Bruichladdich’s new distribution arm will takeover from Blavod and Gordon & MacPhail on 1 July

The Remy Cointreau-owned distiller will end its existing distribution deals with Blavod Wines & Spirits and Gordon & MacPhail from 1 July 2013, to bring its supply network in-house.

While Gordon & MacPhail will remain a stockist and wholesaler of all Bruichladdich’s brands, Blavod will disassociate itself with the company completely to focus on developing its own brands in the UK, which include the newly-acquired Blackwood’s gin and vodka.

Blavod executive chairman Don Goulding said: “This development is very much in line with us moving away from being a third-party distributor and instead focusing all our efforts on the development of our own brands and the newly-developed ones such as RedLeg Spiced Rum, which has proved so successful in the UK and overseas.

“This operational model is far more efficient in terms of the number of people needed within our team and so capable of generating much higher returns for shareholders.”

Bruichladdich was purchased by French drinks group Remy Cointreau in July 2012 for £58m. Earlier this year the Islay distiller confirmed plans to double its production capacity to meet ambitious distribution targets set by its new owner.