MMI’s Le Clos to showcase some of the most rare and valuable Macallan expressions following auction success 

(Dubai, United Arab Emirates):  Dubai-based MMI was the largest single winning bidder at the recent (October 2012) Macallan Chairman’s Collection auction, one of the world’s finest private collections of The Macallan single malt whisky, successfully bidding for all the showpiece bottles such as the 50 year-old 1928 Vintage, the 25 year-old Wordsley Crystal Decanter, the Silver Jubilee Magnum, and the 1981 Royal Wedding bottling. Le Clos will present its full range of Macallan expressions for the benefit of international whisky connoisseurs at its Dubai International duty free stores, where the Macallan collection will form the centrepiece of Le Clos’ new dedicated whisky showcase.

MMI owns and operates the award winning Le Clos duty free fine wines and luxury spirits outlets at Dubai International, where it will open a further Le Clos store at Terminal 3 Concourse A, due to launch in the first quarter of 2013. The new Le Clos outlet will have twice the floor area of the original store.

The new Le Clos store in Terminal 3 Concourse A at Dubai International will list over 60 Macallan expressions and will be the only duty free retailer with an extensive range of both Fine Oak and Sherry Oak Macallan, showcasing two examples of the rare Macallan Lalique Collection and 20 individual vintages from the Fine and Rare Collection spanning five decades.

Ms Patsy Christie, The Macallan Brand Ambassador, comments: “As the most significant purchaser in volume and value of The Macallan Chairman’s Collection auction, Le Clos Finest Wines and Luxury Spirits has demonstrated the company’s commitment in collecting, retailing and showcasing what will be the widest and rarest retail selection of The Macallan. This long standing partnership accentuates both companies’ pursuit of achievement, both being globally recognized as best in class in their respective industries.”

Ben Odgers, Head of Le Clos, adds: “At Le Clos, we pride ourselves on acquiring the finest, rarest and most exclusive wines and spirits from across the globe. The Macallan is acknowledged worldwide as one of the greatest single malts and we are delighted to be able to offer expressions that will appeal to serious connoisseurs and collectors across the globe.”

Having set the benchmark in its field since its opening in Dubai International Terminal 3, the Le Clos concept has become synonymous within the travel retail and wine & spirits industries as a ‘game changing’ concept. The success has primarily been driven by repeat custom from both domestic and overseas customers, all of whom have recognised the commitment shown by the business to offer value at all strata, combined with unequalled provenance in the field borne out of its direct relationship with suppliers.

Notes

Both Le Clos’ outlets are located within Dubai International Terminal 3 Departures, one in the exclusive Emirates First Class Lounge and the other adjacent to gate B8 on the Terminal 3 shopping concourse.

Le Clos awards and milestones

2009

Best New Liquor and Wines Store

(Duty Free News International Awards)

Travel Retail Operator of the Year

(Drinks International Travel Retail Excellence Awards)

2010

World record duty free sale of wines and spirits

2011

World’s Number One Wine Store

(La Cav Magazine)

Further details can be found at http://www.leclos.net/.

About MMI

MMI is a dynamic marketing, sales and distribution organisation. A passionate group committed to delivering and enjoying sustainable, profitable growth by achieving leadership though excellence in our chosen beverage categories and markets. MMI is headquartered in Dubai, UAE, with joint venture operations in Omanand Abu Dhabi. MMI is a subsidiary of the Emirates Group. Our long standing operation in the market has given us a unique understanding and respect for both the cultural differences and common interests in this diverse society. At every interaction with our portfolio, events and outlets we strive to bring more to the lives of our customers and consumers, through innovations such as the award winning and ‘game changing’ Le Clos fine wines and luxury spirits retail concept.