The Edrington Group
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The Edrington Group Limited is a major Scotch whisky company (now with interests in rum) involved in blending, bottling, distributing and marketing. It produces several well-known brands, including The Famous Grouse and Cutty Sark, and premium single malts The Macallan and Highland Park. The portfolio also includes Brugal, the leading golden rum in the Caribbean.
The Famous Grouse is the best selling whisky in Scotland and has held that distinction for the last 30 years. The Macallan is the second biggest single malt in the world by value while Highland Park 18 year old has been named "best spirit in the world" (F. Paul Pacult).
Over the past three years the Group has increased the international nature of its business through the acquisition of brands and sales and distribution companies in key markets. These have proven to be transformational changes.[citation needed]
- In February, 2008 the Group bought a majority shareholding in Brugal, the leading golden rum in the Caribbean and one of the fastest growing spirits in the global drinks industry. It has since become the market leader in Spain, a key market for golden rum, and expanded its global distribution network.
- In April, 2009 the Group formed a new sales-and-distribution alliance with Beam Global Spirits & Wine in 24 key international markets under which Edrington now owns its own distribution companies in Taiwan, South Korea, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark. These alliance markets represent about two-thirds of the Group's business contribution.
- In April 2010 Edrington acquired the Cutty Sark blended Scotch whisky brand from long-standing trading partner Berry Bros & Rudd. The brand is a leader in the important markets of Spain, Greece and Portugal; continues to have a strong presence in America; and is increasing its footprint in Asia and developing markets.
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[edit] Foundation
The origins of the Group, based in Glasgow and today one of Scotland's largest commercial companies, stretch back to the 1850s when W.A. Robertson began business in the city. Today, Edrington is a Scottish company controlled by The Robertson Trust.
[edit] Origin of Name
The Robertson Trust bears the family name of the Robertson sisters (Elspeth, Agnes and Ethel) who had inherited the Scotch whisky interests founded and developed by their grandfather and father. Keen to ensure the on-going success of the these interests, in 1961 they brought them together under The Edrington Group (named after a farm near their home in the Scottish Borders) and established The Robertson Trust. The charitable trust is funded to a considerable degree with dividend income from The Edrington Group. The Trust gave £11.4 million last year to a wide variety of charitable causes.
In the New Year Honours 2008, the Edrington Group's chair, John James Griffin Good, was made a Knight Bachelor "for services to Scotland".[1]
[edit] Significant Dates
1855 - William A. Robertson begins business in Glasgow.
1860 - Robertson & Baxter founded.
1879 - Clyde Bonding Company founded.
1884 - Clyde Cooperage Company founded.
1885 - North British Distillery Company founded.
1887 - Highland Distilleries Company founded.
1936 - Robertson & Baxter supplies first Cutty Sark blend.
1961 - Edrington Holdings established.
1967 - Clyde Cooperage becomes part of the Group.
1970 - Highland Distilleries acquires Matthew Gloag & Son
1993 - Robertson & Baxter acquires a 50% interest in North British Distillery.
1996 - Robertson & Baxter, Clyde Bonding Company and Clyde Cooperage Company re-structured and renamed the Group.
1998 - Cutty Sark International, a joint venture with Berry Brothers & Rudd, formed.
1999 - The Group acquires Highland Distillers
2001 - The Edrington Group's head office moves from West Nile Street to Great Western Road, Glasgow.
2002 - Edrington signs agreement with Hite Group to supply Lancelot range to South Korea.
2003 - The Macallan becomes first Scotch whisky to open an office in China.
2004 - Edrington named "best private company of the year" in Scotland in Scottish plc Awards.
2008 - Edrington acquires majority stake in Brugal Company, Dominican Republic; sells Glenglassaugh distillery.
2009 - Edrington announces new sales and distribution alliance in 24 key international growth markets, with Beam Global.
2010 - Edrington buys Cutty Sark brand; sells The Glenrothes brand to BB&R. Edrington still owns The Glenrothes Distillery.
2010 - Edrington named "outstanding private company" in Scotland plc awards.[citation needed]
