ISLE OF ARRAN DISTILLERS TO DOUBLE PRODUCTION FOLLOWING 2009 RESULTS*

Award winning distillery Isle of Arran is to double production to meet rising demand.

Managing Director, Euan Mitchell, said: “Our confidence is based on the quality and provenance of our unique whiskies.

“Having delivered improved financial results, we are looking to grow significantly by doubling our production.

“We are a small but dynamic player in the Scotch whisky market and we believe our range of award-winning quality malts are able to compete with the finest whiskies available.”

Despite 2009 being a difficult financial year for the distillery due to difficult trading conditions and the collapse of drinks distributor Malcolm Cowen, Arran increased turnover to over £2 million for 2009; a 3.3% increase from the previous year.

The whisky producers also reported an operating profit of £38,223 and bottom line improvement of £120,747 over 2008. An increase in people opting for holidays in the UK also meant a record number of visits to the distillery’s visitor centre on the Isle of Arran. Dubbed by many as ‘Scotland in Miniature’, Arran is an attractive destination and the visitor centre has seen a 13% increase in turnover with net profit growing by 60% compared to 2008. 

Managing Director, Euan Mitchell, said: “We are delighted with the results for 2009. Trading was unquestionably tough but through close control of costs and maximising the sales opportunities available we have made tremendous progress.

“With new appointments, new products being rolled out and a plan to enter and expand in new markets we have great scope for growth.”

The appointments include a new agency agreement in the UK with Blavod Drinks Limited. In addition, at least five new whiskies are being launched into the market by the end of this year; one of which includes an exclusive 600 bottling being rolled out in July for the 15th anniversary of Arran distillery.

Overseas, the whisky brand is also performing extremely well, especially in the USA, where malt sales grew by 53% and Norway where the distillers, currently the second top selling malt by volume in the country, have gained three new listings. This year, the brand’s focus overseas will continue, highlighted by the appointment of regional sales manager Andy Hogan whose aim will be to grow The Arran Malt brand in North America. 

Euan Mitchell

*This was released officially some time ago