BACARDI ANNOUNCES $250 MILLION EXPANSION OF DEWAR’S

Bacardi announced it will spend over $250 million in the next decade to expand its Scotch whisky production in response to the “growing global demand” for Dewar’s Scotch. Chief Andreas Gembler says the $250 million will go towards creating a new infrastructure to support higher inventories and increased blending, bottling and packing capabilities.

The plan includes comprehensive redevelopment of an existing site in Parkhead, Glasgow, where Bacardi will construct new maturation warehouses and a new blend center, as well as install new bottling lines and packing equipment. The company is also close to purchasing a 100 acre spot in central Scotland to develop a second maturation and blending facility.

Many in the industry are saying that Bacardi’s investment is a surefire sign that Scotch is headed for a reawakening. Rising demands in new markets such as Asia and Latin America have helped Scotch grow, while much of the Western world continues to migrate towards white spirits.

Diageo announced earlier this year plans to invest over $200 million to build a new malt distillery in Scotland. Chivas Brothers (owned by Pernod) also spent millions of dollars in expanding bottling operations in Scotland this year.