William Grant & Sons toasts record year

DISTILLER William Grant & Sons has vowed to retain its independence in an “increasingly consolidated industry” after booking record full-year sales.

The family-owned business, which was set up in 1887 and is now controlled by the fifth generation of the founding family, has benefited from last year’s acquisition of Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey from drinks group C&C. Tullamore is now the company’s sixth “core global brand”.

A major marketing push behind single malt Glenfiddich also helped contribute to a 14 per cent rise in turnover to £951.5 million. Yesterday’s results showed 2010 group operating profit of £132.4m, up from £103.6m the previous year.

The drinks giant said it had also increased its investment in blended Scotch brand Grant’s, Hendrick’s Gin and Sailor Jerry rum.

Chief executive Stella David said the firm had delivered “some good results” despite “difficult trading conditions around the world”. She added: “We shall continue to focus on becoming the most coveted branded spirits company in the world, to remaining independent, in an increasingly consolidated industry, and to invest in our portfolio of award-winning brands.”