The figures to the end of 2014 reveal that turnover rose by 21% and net profit increased by 51% – the best performance posted since the business started in 1995.
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| Arran single malt sales grew by 23% in 2014 |
Success is being driven by brand sales which are ahead by 25% – in marked contrast to a 7% decline for the Scotch whisky industry as a whole.
The results reflect the underlying strength of the business. After a succession of healthy profits reported over the last five years, turnover for the independent distiller has more than doubled since 2010.
While 2014 saw total Scotch whisky exports fall at their fastest rate for 16 years, export sales for Isle of Arran Distillers climbed, with key markets for growth including Germany, Taiwan and Canada.
Commenting on the news, Euan Mitchell, Managing Director at Isle of Arran Distillers, said: “In a challenging period for Scotch whisky our continued growth is testament to a focus on quality and a clear strategy well executed. Some people believe when the big companies in the industry sneeze we all catch a cold but this is not our experience. Interest in smaller, independent brands such as ours is surging and we are not even scratching the surface in global terms.”
He went on to say: “We have invested to support the progress we expect to make. Two new pot stills are on order and will be installed in late 2016. This will allow production to double beyond one million litres of pure alcohol once fully commissioned. We have never been the kind of distillery to produce more than we expect to sell, so this boost in capacity and capability is purely a reflection of the anticipated demand for Arran malts. Though never complacent, we look forward with great confidence to celebrating our 21st anniversary in 2016.”
As well as driving export sales, the Arran Malt is set for increased distribution in the UK, including with Marks and Spencer, where two of its bottlings will be stocked later this year.
Source: Inside Media