Douglas Laing eyes global growth as sales soar

Scotch whisky maker Douglas Laing & Co saw a 29% increase in sales last year, and has announced plans for further international growth.

Douglas Laing & Co is targeting international growth

The Scotch blender and bottler’s sales increased to 60,000 cases, while profits increased 17% to £1.6 million. The group’s cask and spirit inventory also soared 22%.

“We have long-term, focussed plans to grow and develop the business via our brands,” said Cara Laing, director of whisky. “To bring them to fruition, we need to ensure we maintain our core business – as such, having the finest quality spirit, mature and maturing, is a key investment for us today and in the future.”

International sales expansion is “at the heart” of the latest stage of Douglas Laing & Co’s growth strategy. The company has been supported by Scottish Enterprise in a number of “internationally focused” projects, it said.

Danny MacLennan, formerly of BrewDpg and William Grant & Sons has been appointed to the role of finance director, taking over from Alik Bisset, who will assume the position of non-executive director.

“Douglas Laing has doubled its size in the last three years – now we truly begin building on these solid foundations and we have just started phase two of our longer term plan,” said Chris Leggat, commercial director.

“We are three years into our ambitious but closely managed thirty year strategy and we are already delighted with the results.

“Of course there will be challenges ahead, but we look forward to managing them and will continue to absorb and build. It’s an exciting time for the business, our great team and our global partners.”

Last year, Douglas Laing signed a new US distribution deal with Vision Wine & Spirits for its Remarkable Regional Malts brands.