Edrington UK: A Journey of Exceptional Spirits and Brilliant Execution

Company profile

“Edrington UK has a collective, unwavering passion for this exciting and ever-evolving industry. Our dedicated teams work tirelessly to deliver exceptional experiences and forge strong relationships with our valued partners and customers. This drives us forward together towards our goal of having the UK’s fastest growing, most admired premium spirits portfolio.”

Mark Riley, MD, Edrington UK

Edrington, the home of exceptional spirits, stands tall among the giants of the whisky industry. Established in Scotland in 1861 and nestled in the heart of Glasgow, Edrington boasts a remarkable portfolio that includes some of the world’s most cherished Scotch whiskies and other fine spirits.

As the UK’s leading whisky supplier, Edrington UK, a part of the global Edrington family, takes charge of sales, marketing, and distribution of a range of ultra-premium brands. Among its admired labels are The Macallan, Highland Park, Brugal, The Famous Grouse, and Naked Malt.

In 2021, Edrington assumed full ownership of Edrington UK, formerly known as Edrington-Beam Suntory UK, while Beam Suntory took over Maxxium Spain. With this transformation, Edrington UK retained the distribution of notable names like Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Courvoisier, and The House of Suntory range of Japanese craft spirits in the UK marketplace. This strategic ownership change, solidified Edrington UK’s position as a leader in the premium spirits realm.

Edrington UK works across all areas of the drinks industry, from major supermarkets, online and luxury retailers to the country’s best bars, pubs and restaurants, with an increasing focus on high-end restaurants and five-star hotels. This extensive reach allows the business to connect with a diverse range of consumers, catering to their desires and ensuring their exceptional spirits are accessible to all who appreciate quality and craftsmanship.

Guiding Edrington UK with expertise and vision is Managing Director Mark Riley, with over 25 years of experience in the industry. Since 2022, he also assumed the role of Chair of the Wine and Spirits Trade Association (WSTA), further amplifying his influence and industry leadership. Under Mark’s guidance, Edrington UK has witnessed remarkable growth and undergone rapid transformation, with a resolute focus on being recognised as the most admired ultra-premium spirits portfolio in the market.

Mark Riley commented: “Edrington UK has a collective, unwavering passion for this exciting and ever-evolving industry. Our dedicated teams work tirelessly to deliver exceptional experiences and forge strong relationships with our valued partners and customers. This drives us forward together towards our goal of having the UK’s fastest growing, most admired premium spirits portfolio.”

Central to Edrington UK’s brand-building strategies is the belief in advocacy. To accelerate the trajectory of premium growth, the company made a strategic move in 2022 by appointing Andrea Montague as the Head of Advocacy, a newly created role. This appointment serves as a testament to Edrington UK’s unwavering dedication to fostering advocacy and loyalty among its customers and partners.

With an impressive ensemble of brand ambassadors, whisky connoisseurs, and serve specialists, Andrea Montague and her teams aim is to create a cohesive and best-in-class experience for customers, from engaging bartender initiatives to captivating customer activations and industry events, spanning the extensive Edrington UK portfolio.

The desire to craft extraordinary, unforgettable moments goes hand in hand, as the team of ambassadors and whisky specialists collaborate closely with high end luxury retailers to curate exclusive, prestigious experiences that are truly oneof-a-kind.

Edrington UK stands as an iconic name in the realm of exceptional spirits. With a rich heritage dating back to 1861, the company’s portfolio continues to captivate and delight whisky enthusiasts and connoisseurs worldwide. Under the adept leadership of Managing Director Mark Riley and the sharp focus on passiondriven advocacy, Edrington UK is set to conquer new frontiers in the realm of ultra-premium spirits. With brilliant brands, brilliant teams, and brilliant execution, Edrington UK exemplifies the pinnacle of the whisky industry, creating extraordinary experiences one sip at a time.

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While the headlines claim alcohol spend has reduced, that’s not the whole story. Although many consumers have reduced their total alcohol spend, alcohol does remain a cost-effective treat, especially