Gordon & MacPhail scoop prestigious SCDI award

Family-owned whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail has won the prestigious SCDI Brodies Award for International Achievement in Innovation, in recognition of its success in growing international markets. In addition the company was also shortlisted for The Clydesdale Bank Award for Best International Business.

The Elgin-based whisky wholesaler, bottler and retailer, which also owns the Benromach Distillery, was presented with the award last night (Friday 19 November) at a ceremony in Glasgow.  Rudy Giuliani, former Mayor of New York City was the Principal Guest at the event and delivered the Keynote Address.

The award recognises the company or organisation which can best demonstrate significant innovation in its products, business processes or customer services which has transformed the way it does business and has made a significant impact on its commercial performance. In addition, the company was also shortlisted for The Clydesdale Bank Award for Best International Business.

Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, Michael Urquhart, said:

“For over a century, we’ve been building up an unrivalled collection of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies from our base in the heart of Speyside.

“Scotland’s whisky expertise is recognised all over the world, and demand for our products in international markets has never been higher: in the first eight months to the end of October 2010 we have increased export sales by 55%.

“We’re delighted to have been presented with this award which recognises the efforts of our dedicated and enthusiastic staff and the support of our customers and suppliers globally.”

Gordon & MacPhail’s latest results showed a 20 per cent increase in turnover in the face of the worst recession for more than half a century. The company last year won a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, following a 94 per cent increase in exports over five years. 

Gavin Hewitt, Chief Executive of  The Scotch Whisky Association, said: “Scotch Whisky is a cornerstone of our economy.  With the industry as a whole playing an important role in driving economic recovery and building overseas markets, I’m delighted to see the great efforts of the team at Gordon & MacPhail recognised with this award.”

The firm employs 130 people in Elgin and Forres. It stocks around 300 different expressions of single malt whisky and cares for some of Scotland’s oldest and rarest casks in its warehouses. In 2010, Gordon & MacPhail launched the world’s oldest whisky, Mortlach 70 Years Old.

Benromach Distillery, which was brought back to life by Gordon & MacPhail in 1998, produces Benromach Organic .

www.gordonandmacphail.com