Penderyn Distillery, which produces Wales’ only single malt whisky, has seen whisky sales grow by 17% year on year over the last three years.
On a visit to the Distillery this week, Business Minister Edwina Hart heard the company now sells more than a quarter of a million bottles of spirits per year.
Managing Director Stephen Davies told the Minister that Penderyn has the distinction of being one of the world’s smallest distilleries but has global appeal.
Although its major sales are in the UK supplying all the major supermarkets and specialist whisky shops, it is also seeing increased exports, selling to twenty different export markets including 28 US states.
It is investing in France, Germany and Spain and investigating potential growth markets in the US and Asia. The Penderyn Single Malt Whisky which was first launched on St David’s Day 2004 has also won a number of prestigious international whisky awards and medals, and is now considered one of the world’s finest premium whiskies.
Mrs Hart congratulated the company on its success and described the distillery and visitor centre, which have had support from the Welsh Government, as important assets, providing employment in a rural area and also attracting a growing number of visitors from the UK and overseas.
“It’s excellent news to hear the distillery is going from strength to strength and that it is making inroads into overseas markets, helping to raise the profile of the Welsh food and drinks sector internationally,” she said.
The Visitor Centre and on site shop, which opened in 2008, is a popular tourist attraction and last year welcomed 25,000 visitors. The Distillery organise tours and master classes when visitors learn about all the different aspects of distilling whisky – and how to judge a good whisky.
The Penderyn Distillery is the only distillery in Wales producing a range of single malt whiskies and spirits – including the Brecon Five Vodka, Brecon Gin and Merlyn Cream Liqueur.
Their Brecon Gin is such a great success in Spain that the company has launched a special edition for their Spanish customers.
Penderyn Distillery, which employs 23 people, is also one of the very few distilleries in the UK with its own bottling line.