William Grant reports double-digit revenue growth

Hendrick’s Gin maker William Grant & Sons has reported revenue growth of 11.6% for 2018, driven by “healthy” value and volume sales of its core brands.

The Scottish group’s turnover hit £1.325 billion (US$1.631bn) in the year, while profit after tax increased at the lower rate of 4% to £260 million (US$320m) following a raft of “significant investments”.

In 2018, William Grant & Sons opened its new distillery and ‘gin palace’ for Hendrick’s; relaunched the Grant’s blended Scotch range; and opened a new luxury packaging facility in Scotland called Arete.

The firm also expanded its portfolio with a number of new brands, including: Discarded, an innovative cascara-infused vermouth; “everyday single malt” Aerstone; and Fistful of Bourbon, its first American whiskey brand developed in house.

“We’re delighted to report another year of double-digit top-line growth for our business,” said CEO Simon Hunt.

“As an independent family-owned business, we have made bold decisions to grow the business the right way by investing in our people, our brands and our infrastructure to deliver sustainable long-term growth.”

2018 also saw the company donate £3.2m (US$3.9m) to charity through the William Grant & Sons Foundation. This year has seen the group enter the low-alcohol category with the launch of 0.5% ABV ‘spirit’ Atopia, and expand its gin stable with the creation of Spain-inspired Verano.