Highland Park invests £18 million

The owners of the Highland Park whisky distillery in Orkney have announced that they are to invest £18 million in the facilities over the next five years, in an effort to double annual sales. Despite being voted by many whisky drinkers as one of the best mainstream malts available, it is currently ranked only 15th in terms of sales. New packaging is being introduced for the major UK supermarkets and there are plans for an aggressive sales and marketing drive both in the UK and overseas, described as "the most ambitious in the brand's 208-year history." Highland Park is part of the Edrington Group, which also produces Famous Grouse, Scotland's best selling whisky, and the Macallan single malt. Sales of single malt whisky grew by 4% last year, but Highland Park expanded by 17%. Highland Park's 18-year-old offering, was recently named best spirit in the world by US whisky expert Paul Pacult. The Orkney distillery is currently working at 95% capacity, producing 2.9 million bottles a year.