Cockburns rescued by Sir David Murray
Edinburgh Wine Importers, the wine wholesalers owned by Sir David Murray, has bought Cockburns of Leith, after the company went into administration. Sir David, who has a keen interest in wine, and who also owns a French wineyard, has bought the business, the trade records and stock of Cockburns and has taken on the staff too.
He also now owns TM Robertson. Ian McPhail, formerly of Cockburns Wholesale, has been recruited by (Edinburgh) Wine Importers to run the specialised division of the company. Billy Bell, Wine Importers’ managing director, said it would be “business as usual for Cockburns’s customers.
Tennent’s Lager announces three-year sponsorship
of Celtic and Rangers
Scotland’s leading brewer Tennent’s Lager has today (Wednesday 3rd February) announced a multi-million pound three-year sponsorship of Celtic and Rangers Football Clubs, bringing together three of Scotland’s most iconic brands.
The deal will continue Tennent’s unrivalled 35-year heritage of investment and support for football in Scotland, including an 18-year association with the Scottish Cup, the much-loved ‘Tennent’s Sixes’ and most recently as sponsor of the Scotland National side.
The full Celtic and Rangers campaign will launch in summer 2010 and the Tennent’s team has promised exciting plans for this partnership.
Tennent’s Managing Director, Mike Lees, is confident that the partnership will secure and extend Tennent’s position as Scotland’s leading lager brand and football supporter. ‘Football is a national obsession in Scotland and we believe this partnership with Scotland’s biggest and most successful football clubs takes our long-held strategy of sponsorship and investment in the game to the next level,’ he said.
‘We are very much looking forward to working with the clubs and their fans, and to an exceptional year for the brand in 2010.’
Celtic Chief Executive, Peter Lawwell, commented: ‘Celtic Football Club is delighted to enter into this new partnership with Tennent’s, a brand which has become synonymous with football. In very challenging times for Scottish Football, it is fantastic that Tennent’s has maintained its high level of commitment to the game in Scotland, something they should be applauded for. This sponsorship provides important revenue for Celtic over the next three years, which will contribute to our continued investment in the football squad. We are sure this partnership with Tennent’s will be most beneficial.’
Rangers Chief Executive, Martin Bain, commented: ‘Rangers Football Club is delighted to confirm Tennent’s Lager as the official club and shirt sponsor from season 2010/11. The Tennent’s brand has been synonymous with Scottish football for decades and we are pleased they have chosen to take their sponsorship to a new level by investing in the Old Firm.
‘We were extremely impressed by the vision and aspirations of the Tennent’s team and we are confident this partnership will deliver on a number of levels. We look forward to forging a successful relationship with Scotland’s leading lager brand over the next three seasons.’
Tennent’s is continuing negotiations with partners at the Scottish FA in relation to the national team, and has no further information to release on these discussions at present
Constellation announces plans for Gaymer Cider Company
Constellation Brands, Inc. has announced plans to sell Gaymer Cider Company (GCC) to C&C Group, the parent business of Magners cider.
Subject to the usual regulatory requirements, it is expected that the deal will be completed mid-January 2010.
The transfer will include the Cider Mill at Shepton Mallet, the sales and marketing capability of GCC (including the portfolio of brands), and supporting warehousing facilities in a deal valued at £45m, subject to closing adjustments.
Transfer arrangements are being worked through for existing Gaymer Cider employees and transitional plans are also being developed jointly by both C&C Group and Constellation.
After the deal is completed Constellation will continue to support the cider operation joining C&C Group for up to six months to ensure the continuity of service and seamless transition for customers and suppliers.
Commenting on the deal, Troy Christensen, president Constellation Wines Australia and Europe, said: “As part of the company’s efforts to enhance the prospects of the UK business, we embarked on a strategy to simplify the business and this is another move towards that goal. For the UK and in Europe the drive is to focus primarily on wine.
“For Gaymer Cider, a successful and profitable business, the opportunity now exists to develop as part of a business that is focused on the cider and beer sector.”
Peter Spencer, managing director of GCC said: “This represents a real opportunity for Gaymer Cider and the people within the company. However, it is business as usual for both organisations for now at what is a very busy time of the year.
“Once the deal is completed we can look to manage the issues of integration and future planning. In the meantime my colleagues and I have a clear focus on our existing plans and business.”
Troy Christensen added: “The Gaymer Cider business and its employees have made an enormous contribution to Constellation over many years.
“The business will be in good hands and will complement C&C’s existing cider and beer portfolio. Their track record for growing brands makes this mutually beneficial for both companies.
“I want to thank the employees in GCC who have worked extremely hard to make the business profitable and successful and I wish them well in the future.”
Molson Coors UK and C&C Group have agreed in principle to extend the distribution contract for draught Magners in England and Wales, however C&C will hand the distribution of the brand in Scotland from January.
Speyside’s smallest distillery toasts new addition to the family
Speyside’s smallest distillery has revealed the first bottling of its ten-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Benromach distillery, in Forres, has launched Benromach 10 Years Old, a golden malt with rich fruit, sweet chocolate and delicate spicy aromas.
Benromach distillery, which employs just two experienced distillers, is owned by Elgin-based whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail.
The distillery went through many changes of ownership and closures before being ‘rescued’ and restored by Gordon & MacPhail in 1993 and was officially opened by the Prince of Wales in 1998.
David and Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Directors of Gordon& MacPhail, said:
“This is a milestone for us – our family have been whisky specialists for generations, so to finally unveil our own ten-year-old single malt is the fulfilment of a dream. We think that Benromach 10 Years Old displays a big taste from a tiny distillery and we hope that people will enjoy our whisky as much as we do – and share the secret of Benromach with fellow whisky-lovers.”
The launch of Benromach 10 Years Old comes just six months after Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of its export success. The company made malt history in 2006 by launching the world’s first certified organic whisky – Benromach Organic.
Benromach 10 Years Old will be available from whisky shops and fine wine and spirits retail specialists as well as selected bars and restaurants UK-wide.
Benromach 10 Years Old will have an RRP of £27.99 but will be released with a special introductory price of £24.99.
Gold Bowmore: The final stage of a 45 year long journey
The most collectable whisky in the world
Bowmore, Islay, Scotland, 21st September 2009: First there was White, then Black and now the exquisite trilogy is complete with the release of the exclusive Gold Bowmore – a 44-year-old single malt whisky from Bowmore’s famous weather beaten distillery on the Scottish Island of Islay.
A highly collectible and multi-award winning whisky, with previous trilogies selling at auction for as much as $18,000, Bowmore has long been coveted by whisky lovers worldwide and today sees the release of just 701 bottles of this unique Gold Bowmore spirit, each lovingly hand-numbered and encased in a stunning Burr Elm box.
44 years of quiet maturation in the famous number one vaults, has allowed an exceptional and rare example of Bowmore single malt to develop – the oldest one ever to be released from the distillery. Gold Bowmore has been created from the same hand-crafted spirit as the first two in the trilogy with the individual taste of each influenced by the different casks they were matured in. Gold Bowmore is uniquely matured in three Bourbon casks and a single Oloroso cask then carefully married together to make a spirit richly gold in colour with a finish that is beautifully balanced yet incredibly complex.
The trilogy began in 2007 with Black Bowmore. Matured purely in Oloroso casks, ebony in colour with aromas of exotic fruits, ginger and cinnamon, there were just 827 bottles produced. This was followed last year by the release of White Bowmore, matured in Bourbon casks, the colour of golden syrup and scents of galia melon, mango and papaya and launched with just 732 bottles. All three spirits come from the same year – the first time a Bowmore trilogy has been created this way.
Eddie McAffer, Distillery Manager at Bowmore commented: “I am so proud to see this last and very special part of the trilogy released. At Bowmore we put everything we have into every single bottle but this Gold Bowmore is something quite unique, embodying everything that is special about the whisky and from a year when things at the Bowmore distillery really went into a new era.”
The trilogy reflects Bowmore’s heritage of whisky created by people so passionate that nothing stands in the way of perfection. The whiskies are now some of the most collectable in the world and on release Black and Gold impressed critics across the globe.
Gold Bowmore (42.4%) will be available for pre-orders from 1st September at Harrods, Whisky Exchange, Fortnum & Masons, Vintage House & Harvey Nicol’s and will be on sale from 23rd September at £3000 RRP.
Notes to editors:
The original trilogy
Whisky lovers will be familiar with the original Black Bowmore trilogy, released in 1993, 1994 and 1995. These highly acclaimed limited editions are some of the most collectable in the world and in 2007 an original set sold for $18,000 at Christies – the highest amount ever reached for whisky at a world auction. The new Black, White and Gold trilogy are a reflection of this original trio, taking the last of the spirit from this amazing distillation.
Tasting Notes
Black Bowmore
Ebony in colour with aromas of exotic fruits, ginger and cinnamon.
A palate combining ripe mango, toffee and dark chocolate with the faintest hint of signature Bowmore smoke
White Bowmore
The colour of golden syrup with amazing aromas of Gallia melon, mango & papaya.
On the palate, mixed exotic fruits, vanilla and maple syrup with a trace of Bowmore peat smoke
Gold Bowmore
Rich gold in colour with aromas of passion fruit, papaya and vanilla.
An explosion of ripe exotic fruits, creamy vanilla and only a hint of peat smoke on the palate
1964
Gold Bowmore is the final part of the trilogy which began back in 1964, and has a fascinating history. This milestone year for Bowmore marked a new era in the crafting of the famous single malt. The distillery had newly converted the original coal-fired pot sills to stills that run on steam enabling far better control of the temperature. At the same time as the first batch of distillate dropped from these new stills, 17 sherry butts from Williams and Humbert arrived at the distillery. Unlike the traditional bourbon casks, which impart a golden hue on their contents, the oak Oloroso casks, retain the sherry taste and colour, which results in a much darker, reddish amber whisky.
Tennent's has been sold to C&C, the owners of Magners by ABInBev for the sum of £180m. The Wellpark Brewery in Glasgow, Tennent's Lager, Tennent's Ales and its assets in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are included. Anheuser-Busch InBev’s UK business located in England and Wales are not part of the transaction. ABInBev has also agreed to C&C acting as distributor of certain unspecified AB InBev brands in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, while C&C is to grant ABInBev the right to use the Tennent’s Super and Tennent’s Pilsner brands “in certain worldwide geographies.
Heineken has appointed Stefan Orlowski, an Australian lawyer and a member of the Dutch brewer's global executive committee, as managing director of Scottish and Newcastle UK in Edinburgh. His appointment which starts on July 1, comes only two months after former managing director Jeremy Blood resigned. Orlowski, 42, is currently Heineken's group commerce director. He said the chance "to work alongside a strong and talented UK management team to lead one of Heineken's most important markets is a compel- ling personal and professional opportunity. I am looking forward to getting started".
VAT-man’s round of drinks on New Year’s Eve
Government tax inspectors are to pass on a late Christmas present to party goers allowing pubs and clubs open on New Year’s Eve to delay the increase in the rate of VAT from 15 per cent back to 17.5 per cent.
Alastair Darling reduced the rate of VAT to 15 per cent in the 2008 Pre-Budget Report to try and stimulate a flagging UK economy, with the rate to revert back to 17.5 per cent at midnight on the 31 December 2009. Pubs and clubs open on New Year’s Eve will be able to delay this change until the small hours of1 January 2010.
Terry Dockley, a VAT specialistat accountants and business advisers James Cowper, said: “The government, already unpopular with voters, would have faced a riot if drinkers queuing at 11.59pm and not served until 12.02am were to be charged extra, not to mention the logistical nightmare for landlords of having to change tax rates in the middle of what is the biggest party night in the UK.
“It is not often the tax man gives something away for absolutely nothing, but this time it does seem that drinks really are on the government.”
Greene King buy Punch pubs
Greene King has bought 11 freehold pubs from Punch Taverns at a cost of £30.4m. The deal, which will complete in July, will be financed from the funds raised by the company's recent right issue.
Four of the pubs are in Scotland including the Burnbrae in Bearsden, near Glasgow.
Meanwhile the Scottish arm of the company, Belhaven has put 11 of its pubs up for sale. The pubs, which include the Crown in Keith and the Waterline in Greenock are being marketed through Christie & Co.
Punch Taverns has also announced a name change for its managed and tenanted pub operations. The pubco’s managed operation, formerly known as Spirit Group, is to be renamed the Punch Pub Company. While the group’s leased arm will be called Punch Partnerships.
Blood quits Heineken UK
Heineken UK has revealed that Jeremy Blood, Managing Director of the UK operation, has quit. Staff were informed earlier today (19th May) that he was leaving for “personal reasons.” In a statement Heineken said: “A successor to Jeremy will be announced shortly. In the interim, the existing management team will run the business on a day-to-day basis, reporting directly to Didier Debrosse, Heineken’s Regional President, Western Europe, who will assume executive management of the company.
Fire at Campbells Meats
A fire at Campbells Prime Meats HQ in Broxburn has caused the company to cancel all deliveries for the near future. The fire broke out in the early hours of the morning and a 50-strong fire crews tackled the blaze, which has destroyed the factory.
The firm supplies a variety of top class restaurants, football clubs and pubs. Martin Wishart, Andrew, Albert Roux and Jeff Bland's are just some of the chefs that use the company.
A statement from its website states:
A serious fire occurred at Campbells Prime Meat Ltd's meat production factory in Broxburn on the night of Tuesday 5th May.
It is a blessing that no-one was injured, but unfortunately the factory building has suffered severe damage.
The fish supply factory also in Broxburn and the Chinese restaurant supply operations in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen have not been affected by the fire. Fish and Chinese supply is continuing as before.
The directors of Campbells Prime Meat are actively seeking replacement premises for meat supply operations. However, it is likely that no meat supplies will be made to customers for a period of at least 4 weeks. We intend to make at least weekly statements informing all customers and stakeholders of developments.
The key assets at Campbells Prime Meat Ltd are the excellent staff, and the loyal customers. These assets were not affected by the fire. With your support we are very confident that normal service can be resumed as quickly as possible.
I have been touched by the numerous messages of support we have received from customers, suppliers and competitors.
Please do not hesitate to phone your usual contact at Campbells Prime Meat Ltd should you require any further information.
Best regards,
Christopher Campbell
Managing Director
NEW CHAIRMAN FOR FIFE LICENSED TRADE ASSOCIATION
David Terms, a partner with Dunfermline based chartered accountants Condies has been appointed as the new ‘chairman of the year’ of the Fife Licensed Trade Association (FLTA).
The FLTA has been in existence for 26 years and represents the area’s licensed premises and currently has 150 members throughout the county.
David Terms has been involved in the licensed trade for nearly thirty years helping to advise clients in the sector in all matters relating to finance. The voluntary position will be held by David for two years.
John Barclay, secretary of the Fife Licensed Trade Association said: “We are delighted that David has accepted the chairmanship of the FLTA. His first-class experience in advising clients in the licensed trade is a huge bonus to the association and our members.”
David Terms commented: “It is a great honour to be appointed chairman of the year for Fife Licensed Trade Association. It is a very challenging time for businesses in the licensed trade at the moment in terms of both the economic recession and the regulatory issues surrounding the new licensing laws. The sector generates substantial revenues for the local economy and employs significant numbers. I am particularly keen to ensure that the Fife licensed trade has representation and a strong voice amongst key policy decision makers”
For further information about Condies please visit www.condie.co.uk or call 01383 721421.
Outstanding Exports Win Gordon & MacPhail Queen’s Award for Enterprise
Family-owned whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail has won a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade, following a 94 per cent increase in the value of total exports over the last five years.
The Elgin-based whisky wholesaler, bottler and retailer, which also owns the Benromach Distillery, currently exports around 60 per cent of all its bottled products.
The company has recently expanded its export department and plans to boost international sales, which last year amounted to around £3.6 million across 50 different markets.
Gordon & MacPhail’s success will be announced today (Tuesday 21 April) – the Queen’s birthday – and the award will be presented to the company later this year by the Queen’s representative, the Lord Lieutenant of Moray.
Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, Michael Urquhart, who spends about a quarter of his time meeting partners and customers overseas, says: “Since 1895, from our base in the heart of Speyside, Gordon & MacPhail has championed the variety and virtues of Single Malt Scotch Whisky. For over a century we have spread our expertise and passion on a global scale. The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is a welcome tribute to the achievement of our dedicated and enthusiastic staff in conjunction with our worldwide customers and suppliers.”
“This award is recognised the world over and it’s a great honour to receive it. We intend to use it as a springboard to increase our global sales even further in coming years.”
Gordon & MacPhail employs 130 people in Elgin and Forres. It stocks around 300 different whisky brands and cares for some ofScotland’s oldest and rarest casks in its warehouses.
Benromach Distillery, which was brought back to life by Gordon & MacPhail in 1998, produces Benromach Organic - the world’s first bottled single malt to be fully certified by the Soil Association. Demonstrating commitment to growing this brand on an international basis, Benromach Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the Official Whisky Partner of the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race.
Morrison Bowmore and Drambuie announce agreement
Morrison Bowmore Distillers and The Drambuie Liqueur Company have announced today their agreement for Morrison Bowmore to provide Drambuie with supply chain services at its Springburn, Glasgow facility.
The new arrangements, which will cover whisky procurement, blending and bottling, warehousing and logistics, will come into effect early in 2010 and will replace the supply chain services currently being provided by The Glenmorangie Company at its Broxburn facility. The Glenmorangie facility is due to cease all blending and bottling activities within the next 18 months.
Phil Parnell, CEO of Drambuie, said: “This new agreement represents an exciting new phase in the rejuvenation of the Drambuie brand and will provide real benefits to both companies. We and Morrison Bowmore are of similar size, we share the same philosophy of premium brands, with an emphasis on the highest quality of product and packaging and we see great scope for synergy between our two companies.
“I would like to thank Paul Neep, CEO of Glenmorangie, and his team at Broxburn, for their commitment to helping us make this a seamless transition. We have enjoyed a very strong relationship with them for a number of years now and I feel sure that our experience of working together will be of immense help in building a new, strong business partnership with Morrison Bowmore.”
Mike Keiller, Morrison Bowmore’s CEO, commented: “We are delighted that The Drambuie Liqueur Company has chosen Morrison Bowmore as its production partner. The addition of its business doubles the size of our bottling output and underpins the economics of our business’s fixed cost base. Over the last two to three years we too have been rejuvenating our brands and our distilleries, and we believe our two great Scottish businesses working more closely together will lead to further exciting developments for all our stakeholders in the years ahead.”
Alcohol Deaths Rates stabilise in the UK
Figures on alcohol-related deaths in 2007 indicate a levelling-off of the trend, following rapid increases since the early 1990s. There were 8,724 alcohol-related deaths in 2007, lower than 2006, but more than double the 4,144 recorded in 1991. The alcohol-related death rate was 13.3 per 100,000 population in 2007, compared with 6.9 per 100,000 population in
1991.
There are more alcohol-related deaths in men than in women. In 2007, the male alcohol-related death rate was 18.1 deaths per 100,000 population, more than twice the rate for females of
8.7 per 100,000. Males accounted for approximately two-thirds of the total number of deaths. There were 5,732 alcohol-related deaths in men and 2,992 in women. The rate of male deaths has almost doubled from 9.1 per 100,000 population in 1991, while there have been steadier increases in female rates, rising from 5.0 per 100,000 in 1991.
The trends differ according to age. For males, alcohol-related deaths in those aged 15-34 increased slightly from 2.4 per 100,000 population in 2006 to 2.6 in 2007. Deaths in other age groups decreased. The largest decrease occurred in males aged 35-54, from 31.1 per 100,000 population in 2006 to 30.2 per 100,000 in 2007. Since 1991, the highest alcohol-related death rates have occurred in men aged 55-74 and the rate for this group in 2007 was 44.3 per 100,000 population.
Alcohol-related death rates among females have been consistently lower than rates for males, although trends demonstrate a broadly similar pattern across different age groups. Between 2006 and 2007 rates for females aged 15-35 increased from 1.1 to 1.4 per 100,000.
At the same time, rates for females aged 35-54 and 55-74 both decreased by 0.3 per 100,000 population to 14.5 and 20.8 respectively. As for men, the highest alcohol-related death rates for women are in those aged 55-74. In 2007, the rate for this group was 20.8 per 100,000 population.
Drinks industry leaders meet Chancellor, Mandelson to discuss Budget
Read the full article at:
www.beerandpub.com/news
Minimum prices delayed
The introduction of minimum prices for alcohol will be now be delayed until next year. Opposition parties scuppered the SNP's plans to bring in the minimum pricing legislation under the new 2005 Licensing Act which comes into force in September. Opposition parties yesterday forced the Scottish Government to introduce primary legislation from scratch for its proposals to tackle Scotland's problems with alcohol. At a meeting the three main opposition parties said all the proposals would be thrown out unless the Scottish Government introduced primary legislation.This means minimum pricing cannot be rushed through and is unlikely to come into force until next year at the earliest.It will also raise further questions about the legality of minimum pricing, which is already concerning the UK government and legal experts because of the possibility it breaks European competition law.
Mike Rumbles, the Lib Dem chief whip, said, "It is ironic that it is Scottish Nationalists that are wilfully disregarding our national parliament and a key national industry. These are controversial measures that could have a devastating impact on the whisky industry."
GIVING SCOTLAND THE TOOLS TO FIGHT ALCOHOL MISUSE
Minimum pricing and local flexibility to ban off-sales to under-21s are key elements of the Scottish Government's groundbreaking strategy for tackling Scotland's 2.25 billion pound alcohol misuse epidemic.Changing Scotland's Relationship with Alcohol: A Framework for Action, was launched by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon and Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill today.
With alcohol misuse widely recognised by health experts as Scotland's most pressing public health concern, the strategy will act on price and availability to reduce consumption - and health damage - across society.
The framework will:
* Introduce a minimum price for a unit of alcohol to stop strong drink being sold for 'pocket money prices';
* Establish a legal obligation on licensing boards to consider whether alcohol-related problems in their area warrant an off-sales purchase age of 21, with local police Chief Constables able to request this at any time;
* Ban off-sales promotions such as 'three for two' and cut-price offers, which encourage bulk buying and over-consumption, and ban selling alcohol as a 'loss leader';
* Restrict the display and marketing of alcohol products to specified areas in off-sales premises.
* Put in place the legal power to introduce a Social Responsibility Fee for some retailers, with details to be developed with stakeholders over the course of this year.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"Our coherent strategy for stemming the tide of alcohol misuse is bolder than anything seen before in Scotland.
"The scale of Scotland's alcohol misuse problem is shocking: 42,500 alcohol-related hospital discharges; 1,500 deaths per year; soaring rates of liver cirrhosis; the eighth highest consumption in the world and a 2.25 billion annual cost in extra services and lost productivity.
"Plummeting prices and aggressive promotion have led to a surge in consumption, causing and adding to health problems ranging from liver and heart diseases to diabetes, obesity, dementia and cancers.
"We have listened to those who responded to the consultation and modified our proposals where appropriate. But we remain determined to press ahead with tough policies to tackle alcohol misuse.
"The time has come for serious action. It is no longer an option for anyone to simply talk about the problem of alcohol misuse but shy away from the action needed to tackle it, so I hope all Parliamentarians and others who care about Scotland's health will support the measures outlined today.
"With this strategy, Scotland has a chance to show real international leadership and to prove that we will not stand idly by while alcohol misuse wrecks our nation's health and quality of life."
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said:
"Our efforts to make communities in Scotland safer and stronger are being undermined by the tide of cheap drink and the 'drinking to get drunk' culture that's rife in Scotland.
"Cheap, readily available alcohol is fuelling violent crime and anti-social behaviour, as well as taking its toll on our economy and health service. That's why we are taking action to ban irresponsible promotions and make sure alcohol is sold at a sensible price that reflects the strength of the product.
"I believe this is the right package of measures to make a real difference and change Scotland's relationship with the bottle for the better."
Those measures which require new legislation to implement will be included as part of the Scottish Government's forthcoming Criminal Justice and Licensing Bill.
As well as the measures outlined today, the Scottish Government has already introduced a range of measures to help tackle alcohol misuse including:
* 120 million pounds over the period 2008-11 to identify and treat alcohol problems;
* A target of 150,000 'brief interventions' by 2011, where people who present at GP surgeries and hospitals with symptoms that could be alcohol related are advised about sensible drinking guidelines;
* Creation of a Youth Commission on Alcohol, in conjunction with Young Scot, looking at the impact of alcohol misuse on young people;
* An intention to review advice for parents and carers about alcohol to allow them to pass on accurate advice on sensible drinking to their children.
Dr Harry Burns, Chief Medical Officer, said:
"There is no doubt that alcohol misuse claims many hundreds of lives in Scotland every year - twice as many today as 15 years ago - and that it hits our poorest communities the hardest.
"It has become a major health, economic and social challenge for our people, a problem which is damaging families and communities across the country. We have a responsibility to do all we can to tackle it. In Scotland, we led the way on smoking and we can lead the way on alcohol misuse too."
Changing Scotland's Relationship with Alcohol: A Framework for Action can be downloaded as a PDF.
bartlett takes magners role
Magners new marketing director is Paul Bartlett. He takes over the role from Maurice Breen, who left the post recently. Bartlett was formerly consumer marketing director at S&N. His appointment is seen as part of a restructure being implemented by new CEO John Dunsmore, who took over at the tail end of 2008.
While Stephen Glancey now has operation role at C&C.
CHANGES AT MORRISON BOWMORE
MORRISON Bowmore, the company behind Bowmore and Auchentoshan has restructured its management team and in the move has lost a number of senior executive roles include Glen Moore Director of Brands Marketing.
The Glasgow-based firm, a wholly owned subsidiary of Japanese drinks group Suntory, has moved to streamline the business in a bid to tap into the potential of the UK market. Last year the company unveiled pre-tax profits of £3.16m on a turnover of £39m. The company has merged the sales and marketing role.
GLENMORANGIE ANNOUNCE NEW HEADQUARTERS
Glenmorangie has announced that it plans to build new headquarters and a bottling plant in West Lothian.
The whisky firm has agreed "heads of terms" over the purchase of an 11 acre site at Alba Business Park in Livingston, and is due to submit an application for planning permission for the multi-million pound project to West Lothian Council, says a report in the Scotsman.
The local authority have welcomed the news, saying that it is "a vote of confidence" for West Lothian.
The new site is seven miles away from the company's headquarters in Broxburn and the majority of the 300 staff will make the move to the new Livingston plant when it is completed in 2010.
Glenmorangie chief executive Paul Neep said the new facility would provide a "significant increase" in production that would enable the firm to meet rising demand for their products from international markets.He said: "We wanted to locate our new bottling and office facilities close to Broxburn so we could retain our skilled workforce."
Peter Johnston, leader of West Lothian Council, said: "This is great news, particularly in the current economic climate. We have had a long and harmonious relationship with Glenmorangie. It's a high quality product that is recognised around the world."It's a little early to say if this will create many new jobs, but it shows their commitment to West Lothian and that existing jobs are secure."
DIAGEO TO AXE JOBS
Diageo is to cut jobs following a decline in profit expectations for 2009 due to the global economic climate.
Shares in the company are down 6.8% after the company said that volumes had fallen 2% in the six months to December 31 compared to the same period last year. Sales were up 3%, below expectations.
Diageo cited a move towards cheaper products by some consumers as well as price rises and a falling pound as reasons for the decline.
Market conditions have also made Diageo trim its organic operating profit growth target for its full financial year to 4% to 6%, compared with the 7% to 9% predicted two months ago.
However, operating profit over the six months was £1.6bn, up 17%.
Chief Executive Paul Walsh said: "Our performance did slow as the economy around the world got tougher and we expect in the second half we will continue to see the impact of slowing consumer demand on our business in several markets. We think the next few months are going to be quite challenging."
The company is now aiming to save £100m in a programme that will include axing an unspecified number of posts from its 24,000 global workforce. Walsh would not rule out shedding some of the 5000 UK posts.
Diageo’s performance in North America beat expectations, although top-end wine sales fell, but Europe was less successful, with Spain particularly weak.
Diageo has also cut supplies to some distributors because of concerns regarding their financial health.
The company is benefiting from the cut in advertising rates around the UK, meaning that overall media spending was down 1% in the six months. Diageo will also focus on pushing some of its cheaper brands in some markets to reflect changing demand.
SUPPORT FOR PUBS CAMPAIGN GROWING STRONGER DAY BY DAY!
20,000 sign up over 100 MPs back call to axe beer tax plans in Budget
MORE than 100 MPs are calling on the Government to axe plans to increase beer tax in this year’s Budget to help save the Great British Pub.
It comes as a result of a grassroots effort in which more than 10,000 people have lobbied their MP, in just eight weeks, over their concerns about pub closures and falling beer sales.
The “Axe the Beer Tax – Save the Pub” campaign was launched by industry and consumer groups in late November last year. Since then, 20,000 people have signed up as supporters and 113 MPs – 50 Labour, 40 Lib Dem and 17 Conservative - have signed EDM 10 supporting the aims of the campaign.
All share the concern at the state of the British beer and pub industry. Sales of beer are now at their lowest levels in almost 40 years with latest figures showing a 9% decline during last year alone. Nearly six pubs across the country are closing every day, and thousands of jobs are being lost.
And the situation has been aggravated by a series of duty rises, including the 8% increase in the Chancellor’s Pre-Budget Report last November. Coming on top of the 6% plus inflation rise in the March 2008 budget, tax on beer increased by 18% last year alone.
Despite this, the Government now plans to increase duty even further this April and the following three years by 2% above inflation each year.
Today, a third of the price of a pint of beer goes to the Treasury – and under current plans tax will increase by a staggering 40% between 2008 and 2011.
Rob Hayward, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association said:
“The beer and pub industry is not looking for special favours. But at a time when the rest of the British economy is receiving tax breaks and public subsidies, the Government’s planned tax hikes on beer are both unfair and unsustainable.
“Pubs are a vital part of communities up and down the country and play a vital role in the British way of life. Yet nearly six pubs are closing every day. The thousands of people who have lobbied their MP over the last few weeks is a clear demonstration of the deep concern and anger felt among landlords, customers and the wider public at what is happening.”
Mike Benner, Chief Executive of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, said:
“Today, a third of a pint of beer goes to the taxman – and now the Government wants to increase it even further. At a time when pubs are suffering from the wider recession, the Chancellor’s tax plans will be a hammer blow to consumers and industry alike.
“Our campaign will increase in intensity in the run-up to the Budget to ensure that the Government hears our message about saving the Great British Pub loud and clear.
“People who want to add their voice to this campaign should go on to the website axethebeertax.com and lobby their MP on this important issue.”
SUPPORTING SCOTTISH SPIRIT COULD TOP GOVERNMENT'S VAT CUT
Economic experts have uncovered a more effective way to stimulate Scotland’s economy than the Government’s recent VAT cuts: support for its flagship whisky industry.
Research by Glasgow-based consultancy GEN has found that a cut in duty for the sector would generate a stimulus that is proportionately more than twice the size as the boost that followed the recent 2.5% VAT reduction.
Figures from the Scottish Government demonstrate that the Government’s VAT cut resulted in a £320 million boost in value to the economy. This led First Minister Alex Salmond to suggest that direct investment in major building programmes would have been more effective, generating around £680 million in value in the process.
But research by GEN, using the same formula, shows that a similarly sized cut in duty for the heavily taxed whisky industry would generate up to an amazing £733 million for Scotland’s economy.
“Although it is not proposed that government should, or could, issue a £1 billion cut in duties to the whisky industry, our research shows that they would definitely get a greater return for their money by supporting this sector with some cuts,” said GEN Director Richard Marsh, who led the research.
“It also shows that recent rises proposed in the Treasury’s Pre-Budget Report are misguided and should be reconsidered.”
GEN’s research suggests the benefits of a cut to the whisky industry would include:
· Safeguarding more than 22,000 skilled jobs
· Supporting a further 16,000 jobs in supply chain and retail industries
· Supporting more than 1,700 tourism and leisure jobs in hotels, pubs and restaurants which rely heavily on Scotch whisky.
Despite being heavily taxed, the industry is one of the most productive sectors in Scotland – generating around £1.5 billion in gross value each year (or £161,000 per employee). Using a formula that looks at the wider impact of the industry on suppliers and other sectors, it is estimated that the sector generates around £2.5 billion worth of income in Scotland every year
GEN’s research is to be presented to the Scotch Whisky Association.
Mr Marsh added: “The value of Scotland’s spirits industry has doubled in the last eight years, and its success brings huge benefits to the economy.
“Workers in the industry add more than twice as much value as EU counterparts in the Belgian food and drink or French wine industries – which further underlines its importance to Scotland.
“Following the VAT cut, Alex Salmond stated that Scotland would have been better off redirecting those resources towards a major capital investment programme, suggesting that such a proposal would have generated a stimulus worth around £680 million.
“But taking that same model, we have set out another way, which could in theory be worth even more to Scotland’s economy: channelling tax cuts directly at the hugely productive, successful Scotch whisky industry.
“We calculate that this would generate £733 million: such findings are surely worth further consideration by Treasury officials looking to increase duty on the industry.”
For more information, contact Ben Lowndes at IPB Communications on 07841 663 920 or e-mail ben.lowndes@ipbcommunications.co.uk