EMPLOYEES of Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, welcomed Nick Clegg to Strathisla Distillery in Keith today.
Says a spokesperson: “Following an exclusive tour of the historic site, the Deputy Prime Minister announced that, according to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), the value of whisky exports during the first ten months of 2010 reached £2.8bn* – an increase of 12 per cent on the same period the previous year.”
Speaking at the home of Pernod Ricard’s icon brand Chivas Regal, Mr Clegg said: “I would like to raise a toast to the Scotch whisky industry, as 2010 shapes up to have been a record year for exports. I was glad to see evidence this morning of the verve and ambition in Scottish industry.”
Mr Clegg also commented: “The dynamic Scotch Whisky companies are making great strides to exploit new markets and new opportunities and the UK Government will continue to do whatever we can to assist them.“
Christian Porta, chair and CEO of Chivas Brothers Limited, commented: “This is hugely encouraging news for the Scotch whisky industry and we look forward to the SWA’s complete 2010 export data when it is published later this year. Following a more challenging environment in 2009, it is great for the industry to see a strong growth pattern emerging again.
Mr Porta added: “Hosting Mr Clegg at Strathisla Distillery today is very fitting as it is the home of Chivas Regal, a truly global super-premium Scotch whisky brand. We are very confident of the continuing strong growth in our brands, especially in all the fast emerging markets.”
The spokesperson continued: “Chivas Regal sells 4.2 million 9L cases** annually and is the No 1 super-premium Scotch whisky in Europe.***
“It is also the leading imported spirit in China, where 25 per centof the global luxury category is represented.
“The Chivas Regal range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity and includes Chivas Regal 12, 18 and 25 Year Old.”
ENDS
Notes for editors:
* Shipment value
** Pernod Ricard sales figures: July 2009 – June 2010
*** Pernod Ricard figures
About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – recognised as the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.
In July 2010, Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.
About The Age Matters
In 2010, Chivas Brothers launched a global campaign entitled The Age Matters, to advocate the importance and value of Scotch whisky age statements, following consumer research which showed that 94 per cent of whisky drinkers believe that age is an important indicator of quality while only ten per cent understand that it refers to the youngest whisky in the bottle.
With 85 per cent share of all Scotch whiskies aged 21 years-old and over, Chivas Brothers has an outstanding pedigree in the maturation of luxury whisky. At any given time Chivas Brothers has more than 6m casks maturing, having been laid down over the last 50 years.
For further information:
Visit: www.chivasbrothers.com
Or contact:
Caitriona Roy
Richmond Towers Communications
Tel: 020 7388 7421
Caitriona@rt-com.com
Jennifer Brophy
Chivas Brothers
Communications manager
jennifer.brophy@chivas.com
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