Artisanal Spirits signs 10-year lease on new facility

The Artisanal Spirits Company, the owner of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society which sells premium single-cask Scotch malt whisky and other spirits to a "discerning membership", announced the signing of a 10-year lease for a new supply chain facility in Uddingston, Scotland.

The AIM-traded firm said the contract, initially announced as a heads of terms in September, would provide it with greater control of its supply chain, with a view to improving margin contribution over time.

It said the 37,000 square foot facility comprises a warehouse, production building and offices, and is located on a secure yard with “excellent” transport links.

Design work and the process of sourcing equipment was underway, and the installation was scheduled to begin at the start of 2022.

The facility was expected to become fully operational in the second half of 2022, and would employ around 10 people.

Artisanal Spirits said the new facility would provide it with enhanced capability to supply its growing Scotch Malt Whisky Society membership with ultra-premium scotch malt whisky and other spirits.

The brand’s global membership had now topped 30,000 for the first time, with the recent uptake from UK members described as “particularly encouraging” following the phased reopening of venues and the relaxing of Covid-19-related restrictions.

“Securing a long-term lease at a newly refurbished supply chain facility comes at an exciting time for us as we continue to scale up the business with the initial public offering proceeds,” said executive managing director David Ridley.

“The facility will allow us to take greater control over the group's supply chain, whilst also providing us with the resources to supply our growing membership.

“To have attracted 30,000 members worldwide is testament to our offering and signifies an exciting milestone for the group and we look forward to further membership growth, while continuing to excite our existing members, with an increasing variety of flavours and quality Scotch Malt Whisky Society products in the years to come.”

At 1521 BST, shares in the Artisanal Spirits Company were up 5.29% at 107.92p.