The Glenlivet Scotch looks to triple capacity

Just weeks after announcing it achieved sales of one million cases for the first time, Chivas Brothers is now seeking to triple capacity of The Glenlivet Distillery, reports claim.

The Glenlivet could be set to triple capacity after a pre-planning application received approval

According to the Press and Journal, a proposals to build new facilities and upgrade existing ones at The Glenlivet Distillery in Speyside have already been approved by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA).

Plans include a new distilling building, tank and equipment area, a replacement bioplant and new pipework, among others.

Chivas Brothers – the whisky and gin arm of French drinks group Pernod Ricard – told the Press and Journal that the expansion plans were part of a “feasibility project to define the scope of future operations at The Glenlivet distillery”.

While the submitted plans mean The Glenlivet’s capacity could be trebled, Chivas said the “exact scope” of the expansion will be “confirmed when appropriate”. The “major” proposals were subject to a statutory pre-application due to their prospective impact.

It was revealed in October this year that The Glenlivet had reached one million case sales, bringing it in line with William Grant & Sons’ Glenfiddich.

At the time the news was announced, Laurent Lacassagne, CEO of Chivas Brothers, said: “The Glenlivet has contributed more growth to single malt whisky than any other brand.”

Chivas Brothers was not available to comment further on the distillery’s expansion proposals.