The Snow Grouse flies with new decoration

Following its launch in Autumn 2008, the Scotch whisky designed to be served straight from the freezer has enhanced the production of itsdistinctive container.

Made by O-I at Alloa, the bottle was originally decorated on site using hand-applied transfers and organic coating. Capacity limitations on hand application and coating technology led Edrington to ask O-I about alternative methods of decoration to provide the same effect as sales soared.

Following successful trials, The Snow Grouse bottles are now screen printed and satin etched at O-I subsidiaries in France.

Angela Spink, the packaging technologist at The Edrington Group, says:  “Managing for brand growth is a crucial component of any packaging project. Working with our supplier, we are able to keep pace with demand by flexing the packaging supply methods as required.”

Colin Mason, NPD innovation manager at O-I in Scotland says: “O-I is the only European glassmaker with the network of glass plants and six decoration facilities to coordinate such a complex operation from within its own resources. We believe this adaptability in the supply chain is vitally important when clients are bringing a new brand to market.”

The frosted glass bottle and the way in which consumers can see through the glass to a picture of the Snow Grouse and Skye's Cuillin Mountains, have been major factors in the brand's appeal.

• The Snow Grouse is the latest addition to The Famous Grouse range following the launch of The Black Grouse earlier in 2008. The Black Grouse is a blend of The Famous Grouse with Islay malts to create a smoky, peaty whisky. As a result The Famous Grouse is now flanked by two very different styles of whisky: The Snow Grouse a light delicate and vanilla sweet, while The Black Grouse is rich, deep, spicy sweet and smoky.

July 09

1 July 2009 - Felicity Murray