GLANN AR MOR DISTILLERY ADAPTS ITSELF AND CONTINUES ITS ACTIVITY

The artisan distillery Glann ar Mor (Celtic Whisky Cie) which produces Kornog and Glann ar Mor whiskies had announced earlier this month on 1st July that it had to stop its activity by 15 August. This decision was coming as a direct result of the new “Whisky Breton” Geographical Indication (GI) laid down this year by the French INAO organization.

This GI, the legitimacy of which is disputed by Glann ar Mor as well as its technical file which defines what a “Whisky Breton” can be or cannot be, is challenging the economic model of the company and in particular its perspectives of development.

Yet, to the great surprise of Martine and Jean Donnay who founded and run the company, the INAO has announced earlier this month through its general manager that “of course” the technical file could be revised. This, whereas Glann ar Mor had been told in September 2014 that any modification was strictly impossible.

If naturally this announcement does not guarantee that the problems resulting from the GI can be forgotten, it represents an opening which is bringing sufficient hope for having Martine and Jean Donnay reconsidering the very difficult decision with such sever consequences they have had to take.

After having taken the full measure of this new element and of the resulting situation, Glann ar Mor has considered that it should be possible after all to continue its activity. Nothing being yet certain for now, in view of the uncertainties to be taken in consideration a cautious approach has to be retained and the company will pursue its activity with a reduced structure which will nevertheless allow the preservation of four jobs out of the six existing one.

For the record, Jean Donnay has proposed by an open letter on July 24Th to the INAO a debate on the theme of the “Whisky Breton” GI. He hopes it will actually take place and will allow to solve in a positive and satisfying manner for Glann ar Mor and for the future of the company the problems which this GI raise.

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