Rémy’s Bruichladdich focus doubles sales again

Sales of Bruichladdich Scotch whisky have continued to double under new owner Rémy Cointreau, contributing to a “solid performance” for its liqueurs and spirits division.

Rémy Cointreau’s investment in extending Bruichladdich’s distribution has doubled the Islay whisky brand’s sales so far this year

The Islay whisky, purchased by French drinks group Rémy Cointreau in 2012, has continued its strong sales streak into the company’s third financial quarter for 2014/15.

Combined with “sustained momentum” from liqueur Cointreau, “double-digit growth” from Metaxa in central Europe, “solid growth” from Mount Gay rum – boosted by the “dynamism” of its Black Barrel extension, and a positive performance from St-Rémy and Passoa liqueurs, the group recorded 6% sales growth for its spirits and liqueurs division in the nine months to 31 December 2014.

However, continued declines for Rémy Martin Cognac of 8.6%, coupled with the loss of a distribution contract with Edrington in the US on 31 March last year, resulted in an overall sales decline of 12.4% to €740 million.

Despite the loss, Rémy Cointreau is positive of a change of fortune in the coming year, as shipments to Greater China and the US increased in Q3.

The group claims the success of the Cognac’s “superior qualities” are now offsetting the brand’s strategic withdrawal from the VS category.