Overview: As the Scotch whisky industry grapples with declining sales in key export markets and increasing regulatory hurdles, Hunter Laing is poised to capitalize on a significant opportunity: tapping into India’s massive market. The Glasgow-based company has already made strides in exporting £286 million worth of whisky to India last year, up 15% from the previous year.
The Full Story
Founded by Stewart Laing and his sons Andrew and Scott in 2013, Hunter Laing has established itself as a major player in the Scotch whisky industry. With its own distillery on Islay and a bottling operation in East Kilbride, the company exports to around 70 markets worldwide. However, it is India that holds significant promise for the firm’s future growth.
Speaking with The Herald Scotland, Andrew Laing expressed optimism about the potential of India as a market: “It does seem to be an exciting market. There’s a lot of interest there. There’s already quite a lot of understanding there of Scotch whisky and good quality Scotch whisky.” He noted that while smaller companies like Hunter Laing may face regulatory hurdles, the UK-India free trade agreement provides an opportunity for growth.
Production & Profile
The Ardnahoe distillery on Islay has been a major contributor to Hunter Laing’s success. The first single malt release from the distillery in May 2024 was met with significant enthusiasm and award recognition. Andrew Laing praised the reaction, stating: “There was a lot of interest in the newest distillery from the famous island of Islay… we took the view that there’s only one opportunity to make a first impression.” He emphasized that Ardnahoe’s core expressions will form the backbone of their offerings for years to come.
The company has been expanding its product line, including cask-strength bottlings and small-batch releases. The Infinite Loch, Bholsa, and five-year-old cask strength are among the most popular offerings from Ardnahoe Distillery.
Brand & Industry History
The Laing family has been connected to the whisky industry for over three generations. Stewart Laing founded Douglas Laing & Co in 1947, which was later split into two companies: Hunter Laing and Morrison Scotch Whisky (now part of Campari). The brothers Andrew and Scott took over Hunter Laing in 2013.
Under their leadership, the company has invested heavily in its infrastructure. A £12 million distillery on Islay’s Loch Ardnahoe was opened in 2024, complemented by a cask maturation warehouse expansion. The firm continues to expand into new markets and develop new routes to market.
What This Means
The UK-India free trade agreement has provided a significant boost to Scotch whisky exports, with £286 million worth of whisky exported last year alone. Hunter Laing’s success in this market is a testament to the industry’s adaptability and resilience. As global markets continue to evolve, companies like Hunter Laing will need to navigate shifting regulatory landscapes while capitalizing on new opportunities.
Consumer Takeaway
Hunter Laing’s foray into India offers consumers an exciting opportunity to explore high-quality Scotch whisky. With a focus on unique and rare bottlings from Ardnahoe Distillery, enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing the richness of Islay’s maritime smokiness combined with fruity complexity.
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