Scottish spirits group finds new markets
The spirits firm William Grant & Son has reported an increase in profits and turnover.
Operating profit for 2010 was £132.4m, up from £104m the previous year, and turnover increased by 14%.
The company said its growth was boosted by its acquisition of Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey.
William Grant said it had set up new offices in Australia and Colombia to "more effectively manage its route to market in these areas".
The drinks group which is behind brands such as The Balvenie, Hendrick's Gin and Sailor Jerry said it had invested "significantly" in its core brands including a "multi-million pound global marketing push" behind Glenfiddich, which is the world's number one single malt.
Stella David, William Grant & Sons' chief executive, said: "The acquisition of Tullamore Dew, the continued investment behind our brands and the group's infrastructure along with improvements in our route to market helped deliver some good results for 2010, despite difficult trading conditions around the world.
"We shall continue to focus on becoming the most coveted branded spirits company in the world, to remaining independent, in an increasingly consolidated industry, and to investing in our portfolio of award-winning brands to secure the long-term future of the business."