Glenfiddich whisky producer’s sales top £1bn

William Grant & Sons, producer of Glenfiddich Scotch and Hendrick’s gin, has reached sales of over £1 billion in the past year, with its core brands reporting double-digit growth.

Stella David, CEO of William Grant & Sons, said despite “challenging conditions” the group has again topped sales of £1billion

In 2013/14, the UK group’s annual turnover increased by 5.2% to £1.12bn with its core brands, including Sailor Jerry rum and Grant’s blended Scotch whisky, increasing sales by 12.5% year-on-year.

The group’s operating profit also saw a marked improvement on previous years, increasing 10.6% to £138m compared to £124.8m in 2012/13.

In a statement released today, the group, which recently axed 30 jobs as part when restructuring its UK distribution arm, highlighted “some challenging global conditions”.

However, Hendrick’s gin was reported to have experienced “phenomenal success” due to its endorsement through the on-trade, while The Balvenie single malt Scotch whisky continued to “grow rapidly” around the world.

The Glenfiddich also managed to hold on to its position as the world’s best-selling single malt Scotch whisky as Pernod Ricard’s The Glenlivet failed to reach its target of selling 1m cases.

Meanwhile the release of Girvan Patent Still single grain Scotch whisky and  the global re-launch of The Kininvie single malt Scotch whisky maintained the group’s whisky innovation drive.

Stella David, CEO of William Grant & Sons, said:  “While 2013 saw some challenging global economic conditions, the company continued to perform well thanks to our consistent focus on brand building and investing for the long-term.

“In short we want to inspire our consumers with our great liquids and the great stories our brands have to tell.”

In December last year, Charles Grant Gordon, the life president of William Grant & Sons and great-grandson of company founder William Grant, died at the age of 86.