Distiller toasts rising profits

PROFITS at Morrison Bowmore Distillers jumped 84 per cent last year after the Japanese-owned firm continued to focus its efforts on its single malt brands.

The Glasgow-based whisky maker – which owns brands including Auchentoshen, Bowmore and Glen Garioch – reported that pre-tax profits rose to £6.1 million from £3.3m. The previous year’s profits were dented by roof repairs at its Springburn warehouses.

Sales at the firm, which also supplies the whiskies that goes into Drambuie’s liqueurs, edged up by 7 per cent to £44.6m.

Morrison Bowmore, which is owned by Suntory, did not return calls for comment yesterday. But, writing in the directors’ report, company secretary John Brown said: “The growth of the company continues with excellent results reported for 2011.”