Diageo is preparing to open the first major Scotch whisky distillery for 30 years to help the Johnnie Walker distiller cater for growing demand in emerging markets. The £40M (US$63.4m) distillery, one of the largest in the industry, is located in Roseisle near Elgin and will officially open its doors in October. It has the capacity to distil 12.5m litres of pure alcohol per year. Diageo intends to use the facility to supply the growing number of Scotch consumers in Asia, Africa and Latin America thirsty for brands such as Johnnie Walker, J&B and Buchanan's. "Economic growth and consumer demographics present a great opportunity for the Scotch whisky industry and for Diageo's outstanding brands, especially in the developing markets," said Diageo's CEO, Paul Walsh, today (29 September). Diageo sees particular opportunities for its whiskies in Brazil, Mexico and China.
