First phase of Dewar's project completed

“Demand for Dewar’s Scotch whiskies has grown significantly in the United States, Asia and other emerging markets and we are excited to have completed the first phase of a new infrastructure project to support higher inventories of maturing whisky and increase our blending, bottling and packing capabilities,” said Séamus McBride, Bacardi president and CEO.

Dewar’s has undertaken a comprehensive redevelopment of an existing site in Parkhead, Glasgow, and has built five new maturation warehouses and a new blend centre, as well as installed new bottling lines and packing equipment. The Dewar’s expansion project, which started in July 2007 and was one of the most significant investments ever in the Scotch industry at the time, will be completed in phases over 10 years.

The company also purchased more than 100 acres in central Scotland and developed a second maturation facility including six warehouses. Three more aging warehouses are currently under construction and a blending facility will be built next year.

As the Dewar’s business expands, Bacardi says it has an increasing commitment to protect and sustain the Scottish environment. Dewar’s has planted close to 100,000 indigenous trees including birch, rowan oak and beech to naturally enhance its new maturation facility. Another 40,000 more trees will be planted over the next three years.

Overall, efficiencies in Dewar’s Scotch production have resulted in energy savings, and usage is down by 11% in distilleries over the past three years. Since fiscal year 2009, water usage has been cut by 17%, resulting in a savings equivalent to 300 Olympic swimming pools every year. At its Aberfeldy distillery, treated leftover water is cleaned by passing through a reed bed, an innovative and  natural filtration process, to flow into the River Tay, famed for its salmon and trout fishing.

In addition, the design and construction of the new facilities was undertaken by local suppliers and the vast majority of malted barley, yeast and packaging materials including glass, caps and cases are purchased locally to reduce ‘road miles’ and cut carbon emission impacts.

Another sign of its move into the future, Dewar’s recently unveiled a new modern, bold and cohesive look and package design, visually linking its portfolio of premium blended and single malt Scotch whiskies. The Dewar’s portfolio includes White Label, 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old, 18 Year Old, Signature and Aberfeldy Single Malt—12 And 21 Years.

1 October 2010 - Felicity Murray