Edrington, the Glasgow-based owner of renowned whisky brands including The Macallan, Highland Park, and Glenrothes, has reported a significant drop in profits and sales for the year ending 31 March 2025.
The group’s pre-tax profit fell by more than a quarter to £274.4 million – a 26 per cent decline compared to the previous year. Revenue also dipped by 10 per cent, reaching £912 million over the same period.
The company attributed the downturn to the broader impacts of the global economic slowdown, which has weighed heavily on consumer sentiment and demand across most international markets.
Notably, there were exceptions: Brugal rum maintained strong sales in the Dominican Republic, and The Macallan performed resiliently in South Korea and Japan.
Edrington’s chief executive, Scott McCroskie, acknowledged the challenging trading environment, stating that the business had “felt the full effect of the global economic downturn during the year.”
Despite the difficulties, he emphasised that Edrington remains committed to its strategy of focusing on ultra-premium spirits, continuing to invest in its sherry cask supply chain and sustainability initiatives.
In a strategic move to sharpen its focus, Edrington completed the sale of The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt brands to William Grant & Sons on 1 July 2025. This decision, according to McCroskie, reflects the company’s intention to compete at the premium end of the market, where it sees the greatest opportunity for growth.
Looking ahead, Edrington expects the volatile political and economic climate to persist, making top-line growth difficult.
The company plans to adjust overheads and brand investments to better align net sales and core contributions in the coming year, while maintaining its long-term commitment to strengthening its brands and supporting charitable activities through its principal shareholder.
The results come at a challenging time for the wider Scotch whisky industry. Ian Macleod Distillers, the producer of Glengoyne whisky and Edinburgh Gin, recently reported its largest profit decline in decades, with pre-tax profits halved and turnover significantly reduced.
Edrington chief executive Scott McCroskie said: “After several years of unprecedented growth for premium spirits and industry-leading results posted by Edrington, the business felt the full effect of the global economic downturn during the year.
“Our focus on ultra-premium spirits has driven Edrington’s growth in recent years and we have continued to execute our strategy despite the hostile trading environment.
“This includes further strategic investments in our sherry cask supply chain and in reducing our carbon footprint.
““Looking ahead, the political and economic backdrop remains volatile, which we expect will continue to weigh on consumer sentiment in the coming year.”
Edrington’s latest figures underscore the pressures facing even the most established names in the sector, as global economic headwinds reshape the premium spirits landscape.
