UK: Owners of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society reports 28% increase in online sales

The Artisanal Spirits Company, the owner of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, has enjoyed a 28 per cent lift to online sales in the UK despite minor membership growth, City A.M. reported on July 19.

Despite last year’s lockdown spurring on drinking habits, the spirits company pulled in £1.7 mln in the six months to 30 June, in comparison to £1.3 mln during the UK’s first lockdown.

Executive managing director, David Ridley, said: “While Brexit continues to present logistical challenges for exports to the EU, we are working through these issues.

“We welcome the long-term suspension of US tariffs which took effect last month, not only does this provide an economic benefit to the business but also enables us to progress our strategic objectives in the USA with confidence.”

Demand from European members remains robust, the company said, despite the “ongoing challenges Brexit continues to pose to EU exports”.

International sales grew 24 per cent, pulling in just over £1 mln more than in the same period in 2020 from its global members, buoyed by the suspension of US tariffs on imports of Scotch whisky this year.

However, the company’s total memberships increased just one per cent, suggesting consumers are drinking more than they were a year ago.

The company listed on London’s junior market AIM in early June, raising £26 mln from the float.

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