Drinkers of single malt Scotch whiskey are some of the most passionate in the world. When they talk about Highland Park, Glenlivet, Glenmorangie and the Macallan, they are speaking about a unique industry that has been cultivated slowly for hundreds of years. And now, it seems, more of the world is catching along to the secret. These unique single malt makers are growing – investing in larger facilities and taking larger market share.
Unlike their blended counterparts – such as Johnnie Walker – single malts have been more of a niche product. But whiskey makers see a growth market with high margins.
The Scottish whisky industry is booming again with investment pouring in to boost capacity as distillers defy the recession and the current sluggish recovery with an eye on the fast growing markets of Asia.
Leading the charge is the single malt whisky market boasting names such as The Glenlivet, Glenmorangie and Macallan which may only account for a fraction of the industry, but is growing faster than the much larger blended scotch market.
Over the last three years, the Scottish whisky industry has invested 600 million pounds ($898 million) in malt and grain distilleries, warehousing and bottling and despite the downturn none of these expansion plans have been cancelled or delayed.