Drambuie sales get double-digit boost

SALES of Drambuie in the UK bucked the consumer downturn by growing 17 per cent, although the company’s turnover and profits fell, according to the liqueur maker’s latest accounts.

The Broxburn-based firm said that its “comprehensive” marketing campaign, including a three-day “Drambuie Hogmanay” event in Edinburgh, boosted British sales in the face of “difficult” and “volatile” trading conditions.

Chairman Richard Stone noted “with some pleasure, or relief” that the family-owed company’s decline in sales in Europe levelled out in the year. Having been hit by the downturn in Greece – formerly the heather-flavoured liqueur’s number two market – Stone said he expects Greek growth to return in 2014.

The company has placed six brand ambassadors in key United States cities.

Turnover in the year to 30 June 2013 fell from £22.9 million to £22.2m and pre-tax profits from £3.6m to £3m. Operating profits grew by 5 per cent to £3.3m.