Morrison Bowmore Distillers Grants Campari America Exclusive U.S. Import and Distribution Rights For McClelland’s® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Effective June 1, 2012
Morrison Bowmore Distillers (MBD), one of the major names in Scotch Whisky, announces the appointment of Campari America (formerly Skyy Spirits) as the exclusive U.S. importer and distributor for MBD’s top-selling McClelland’s® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, effective June 1, 2012. The deal brings one of the world’s fastest-growing Scotch malt whisky brands into the folds of Campari America, who already manages distribution and marketing in the U.S. for MBD brands Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, and Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
McClelland’s came to the U.S. market 18 years ago and has since grown to become the fifth best-selling single malt in the United States and number 15 in worldwide sales. It is the second best-selling malt in the Morrison Bowmore portfolio and has shown considerable sales increases, with global sales nearly tripling between 2001 and 2010. The volume growth of McClelland’s has outpaced all of the top-ten selling single malts in the world. (IWSR 2011 Report/Single Malt Category).
The addition of McClelland’s builds upon the already strong Campari America whisk(e)y portfolio which includes Wild Turkey® Bourbon and Rye Whiskey; Russell’s Reserve® Bourbon and Rye Whiskey; Glen Grant® Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky; Hibiki® Whisky; Hakushu® Single Malt Whisky; and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky, and demonstrates Morrison Bowmore’s confidence in Campari America’s formidable marketing and sales expertise in this category.
“Morrison Bowmore Distillers boasts one of the most critically acclaimed whisky collections from Scotland, representing every major distilling region,” said Gerry Ruvo, Chairman and CEO, Campari America. “This broad selection allows Campari America to appeal to every whisky fan, from the novice to the seasoned aficionado. The addition of the broad McClelland’s portfolio lets us offer even wider choices for our distributors, retailers and consumers, furthering solidifying our position as the premier whisk(e)y supplier in the U.S.”
“We have found a true partner for our brands in Campari America,” says Mike Keiller, CEO, Morrison Bowmore Distillers. “Our fine portfolio of single malt Scotch whiskies have shown significant volume and value growth since Campari America took them on in 2008. We are confident that McClelland’s strong growth trajectory will only continue under the expert leadership of Campari America and its outstanding sales force.”
McClelland’s offers a range of four Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, each of which provides consumers a chance to explore Scotland’s key whisky producing regions and reflect the true essence and distinct characteristics of that region:
· McClelland’s Highland – Highland malts capture the true spirit of Scotland – the moorlands, heather and fresh pine forests – and are rounded, firm and fruity.
· McClelland’s Islay – Famous throughout the world for their peaty character and dry finish, the Islay dram is the unmistakable taste of Scotland.
· McClelland’s Lowland – The malts crafted in the Lowlands match the soft rolling landscape. Smooth and light, they make the perfect aperitif.
· McClelland’s Speyside – Speyside malts are sweet and fruity, sometimes delicate, sometimes rich and robust but always complex.
This past March, the brand introduced new packaging – a premium gift box and a refreshed label – which underscores the excellent spirits quality and addresses consumer demand for a greater level of education on the taste experience of the famous whisky producing areas. The new cartons are completely recyclable, lowering the brands carbon footprint.
McClelland’s is a regional single malt Scotch whisky with expressions from Scotland’s four main whisky producing areas: Lowlands, Highlands, Speyside and Islay. It is produced by Morrison Bowmore Distillers, Glasgow, Scotland and distributed in the U.S. by Campari America. McClelland’s is the 5th largest single malt in US domestic market by volume and 15th globally (IWSR 2011). McClelland’s is available nationwide in 50ml, 750ml and 1.75L bottles. For more information visit www.morrisonbowmore.com <http://www.morrisonbowmore.com>
Founded in 1951, Morrison Bowmore Distillers Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Suntory Limited and is one of the major names in Scotch whisky. With three Malt Whisky Distilleries situated in the major production areas of Islay (Bowmore), the Highlands (Glen Garioch) and the Lowlands (Auchentoshan),as well as significant blending, bottling and warehousing facilities, the company has established a leading role in the export of Single Malts. The success of Morrison Bowmore Distillers Limited is based upon maintenance of traditional values and innovation in the marketplace.
