FDBusiness.com

Scottish spirits group Edrington has delivered another strong year of trading, with revenues up 6.3% to £591.3 million and profit before tax, excluding an exceptional charge taken in respect of the intangible value of the Brugal brand, up 13.3% to £168.6 million for the year ended 31 March 2013.

Edrington increased the presence of its brands, which include The Macallan, Brugal, The Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark and Highland Park, in both established and emerging markets and 91% of total sales are now made outside of the UK. During the year the company expanded its international operations with the creation of Edrington Africa in South Africa and has recently announced the creation of new sales, marketing and distribution companies in the USA, South East Asia and the Middle East.

Ian Curle, chief executive of Edrington.

Edrington increased shareholders’ earnings by 10.1% to £77.6 million – maintaining the trend of double-digit growth over the last 3 year period – and increased its dividend by 13.3% to 34p per share.

Ian Curle, chief executive of Edrington, comments: “Edrington has delivered another record year of trading. In the face of challenging economic conditions in Southern Europe, our overall strength in both established and emerging markets has resulted in an increase in our turnover, profit and dividend.”

He continues: “Our financial strength has underpinned significant brand share growth in key markets and this will be further strengthened by the establishment and expansion of distribution activities in the  US, South East Asia, the Middle East and Africa, allowing us to bring our premium brands to ever more consumers. The market for premium spirits continues to thrive, which will provide further development and expansion opportunities for Edrington.”