Drinks giant Pernod Ricard is reopening the Braeval Distillery it mothballed six years ago and plans to expand its flagship Glenlivet Distillery.
Pernod's Chivas Brothers whisky and gin business announced the plans yesterday in an effort to meet a global increase in demand.
Braeval is due to reopen in July. The distillery, near Tomintoul, was first opened by Chivas Brothers in 1973 and mothballed in 2002, one of several closed or sold after Pernod acquired Chivas from Seagram a couple of years earlier.
Its two wash stills and four spirit stills will supply spirit for Chivas's portfolio of blended whisky.
The company has also started discussions with Moray Council about the expansion of The Glenlivet Distillery, which produces its flagship single malt brand. It wants to install another mash tun, six new stills and six wash backs to accommodate increased production.
Christian Porta, chairman and chief executive of Chivas Brothers, said: "Chivas Brothers' exports exceed one million bottles every day around the world, and demand for Scotch whisky is at a record high. This latest investment will enable us to meet our growing demand as well as demonstrate our commitment to developing our business in Scotland."
Meanwhile, Pernod yesterday announced net sales of £2.8bn in the six months to December 31, a 5.9% increase on the same period the year before. It also represented 10.1% organic growth. Operating profit was up 15.3% at £737m.
Group chairman and chief executive Patrick Ricard said the company was revising upwards its full-year guidance and was now targeting operating profit growth of 12% on a like-for-like basis.
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