William Grant & Sons (WG&S) has completed its purchase of the Famous Grouse and Naked Malt brands from The 1887 Company, expanding its position in the Scotch whisky segment. The deal encompasses all The Famous Grouse variants, including The Famous Grouse Smoky Black, Sherry Cask Finish, Ruby Cask, and The Famous One, as well as Naked Malt.
The transaction was approved by all the necessary regulatory authorities, including the UK Competition & Markets Authority, as of March 31, 2025. This acquisition is expected to enhance WG&S's presence in the global spirits market, following its presence and reputation with a large portfolio that includes established brands like Glenfiddich and Hendrick's Gin. WG&S CEO Søren Hagh noted the legacy of the Famous Grouse started in 1896, founded by Matthew Gloag III. The Famous Grouse has become the epitome of quality Scotch whisky, with around 2.7 million 9-litre cases sold worldwide annually.
Of particular note is that some 45% of these sales take place in the UK, over two times the volume of the UK business of WG&S. The five biggest markets for The Famous Grouse by volume during 2023 are the UK, Sweden, Poland, the US and the Netherlands, together with a significant presence in global travel retail.
According to coherent market insights, the distilled spirits industry will grow at a 4.89% CAGR during 2025-2032. Market size is USD 35.19 Bn in 2025 and is expected to grow by around USD 49.15 Bn in 2032. Market size is driven by the rising demand for alcoholic drinks.
Naked Malt, which has established momentum especially in the Asia Pacific market, wholesales approximately 50,000 cases of its 9-litre case per annum, with its strongest markets being Taiwan and South Korea. The novel approach Naked Malt has taken to maturation and blending places it in an excellent position to prosper even more in the continually evolving blended malt landscape.
The legacy of the Famous Grouse is showcased when its long-standing association with Scottish Rugby (the official whisky partner to Scotland Men and Women until at least 2026) is considered. Furthermore, the company was publicly awarded a Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II in 1984 and has continued to provide service to the Royal Family under Royal Warrant from King Charles III since December 2024.
This purchase is not only a milestone for WG&S, but it also fits into growing trends in the spirits sector toward consolidation and the emergence of premium products, in general.
Source:
Ecommerce PLatform: FOODBEV MEDIA Ltd.
Company: William Grant & Sons
