Grant’s Whisky are sending three candidates on a world tour as part of the interview process for their Global Brand Ambassador vacancy.
The trio will jet off to three countries each over a ten-day period, with India, Colombia, Poland and South Africa amongst the destinations. Once there their task is to use a suitcase full of Grant’s as a bargaining tool, showcasing their resourcefulness and imagination by ‘swapping drams for unforgettable adventures that take whisky to the world’.
Inspiration for the project stems from a similar journey made – suitcase of Grant’s in hand – in 1909 by Charles Grant Gordon, son-in-law of the business’ founder William Grant.
The ideal candidate is said to be resourceful, charismatic and talented, with a passion for writing, travelling and mixology.
“The role goes way beyond being able to make great cocktails,” commented Global Brand Director Oliver Dickson.
He continued, “We’re looking for somebody to embody the ‘Stand Together’ spirit of the brand and who can spearhead Grant’s into the next stage of its global journey.
“In today’s society, lots of people seek more flexibility and adventure from their work than a 9 to 5 day in an office. This job offers travel, freedom, independence and a good salary too! We wanted an interview process to match the exciting and challenging nature of the role.”
The world tour is the third stage of the process, with the first requiring candidates to design a drink that reveals something about their personality and the second taking the form of a special event attended by 20 candidates in Scotland this September.
Passed down through five generations of the Grant family since its creation in 1887, Grant’s is sold in 183 countries around the world.
Edinburgh whisky firm Fusion Whisky is to release a new blend combining single malts from distilleries in Scotland and India.
The still-to-be-named blend has been produced in collaboration with Amrut Distillery in Bangalore, India. It is scheduled to launch early November and will be available from international retailers before Christmas.
The latest international collaboration from Fusion – formerly TGB & Co – builds on the success of its Glover series, a rare blend of Japanese and Scotch whisky.
The third edition of the Glover whisky, made of Longmorn and Glen Garioch Scotch and an extremely rare whisky from Hanyu distillery in Japan, was released last October and reportedly sold out within days. A 22-year-old version sold for £1050.
Adelphi Distillery Managing Director Alex Bruce created the expressions with renowned whisky consultant Charles MacLean.
Following on from the collaboration with Amrut in India, Fusion Whisky plans to produce future blends with other international distilleries.
Fusion Whisky Co-Director, David Moore, said, “We were overwhelmed by the level of interest for the Glover whisky, both for its concept as well as its look, aroma and taste. No one else is creating this type of whisky, and we want to make more.”
Co-Director, Jim Millar, added, “Scotland and Japan have a strong and unique relationship and I was delighted we could honour that by creating the Glover whisky. With our new fusion whiskies we’ll continue to celebrate Scotland’s international friendships as well as its global influence, culturally, economically and socially.
“Fusion Whisky is a hugely positive business and I’m very proud of the fact we’re expanding following the success of the Glover.”
Paul Sloan and Mario Gizzi have a new venture in the shape of the Chaakoo Bombay Cafe. The two, who teamed up to launch Topolabamba a few years ago, have moved from Mexican to Indian and Iranian food with the new restaurant which is located on the site of the former Irish theme bar Failte on St Vincent Street in Glasgow. The Chaakoo Bombay Cafe has been designed by IBDP, the interior designers who also worked on Topolabamba. There are also plans to roll the concept out to Edinburgh next year.
General Manager Denny Pereira told Dram, “I originally started working with Paul at The Waterfront Fish House in Oban, and came to Glasgow to work on Topolobamba. We’ve talked about creating something like Chaakoo for a while. The restaurant will have 130 covers and will serve Iranian and Indian cuisine in the form of small plates, curries and kebabs. Our Head Chef Man Mohan Prasad will create tastes from Bombay, India and Indo-China inspired food. ”
Chaakoo-which means knife in Hindu – will also open from 9am, serving hot breakfasts, cakes, fruit juices and the traditional yogurt-based drink, lassi.
Pereira continued, “In terms of design, we have kept as many of the original features from Failte as possible. We tried to keep the feeling of the late 1950’s but with a Bollywood twist for instance we’ll be hanging original Bollywood posters we’ve imported.”
Overseas tourism visits to Scotland increased in 2013 according to figures released by Office for National Statistics. Overseas tourists increased by 10% in the full year 2013 and spent £1.68 billion, 20% more than in 2012.
The majority of overseas visitors came from Europe as did the majority of overseas expenditure.
There was a 32% increase in spend from visitors from places such as Australia and India (excluding Europe and North America). Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing said, “While 2013 was a challenging time for our tourism economy, visitors from overseas markets continue to grow. These encouraging figures illustrate the demand from long-haul tourists for holidaying in Scotland.
“The rises in expenditure suggest that Scotland is as a destination offering quality experiences and visitors are prepared to spend their money in our hotels, tourism attractions and restaurants as a result.
“This success is also due to the warmth of welcome of the people who work in the tourism industry. Their drive and commitment is delivering results and helping to provide a memorable visitor experience for our guests.
He concluded, “This year of Homecoming will see the eyes of the world focussed on Scotland as we host the Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and the MTV Europe Music Awards. People from across the globe with an affinity to Scotland as well as those without are invited to join the celebration which will provide a lasting legacy for our tourism industry.”
Diageo plc, United Spirits Limited and United Breweries (Holdings) Limited have announced agreements under which Diageo would acquire a 27.4% stake in USL, the leading spirits company in India, and the company behind Whyte & Mackay. The total consideration will be approximately £660 million. Following completion of these agreements, Dr Vijay Mallya will continue in his current role as Chairman of USL, and UBHL and Dr Mallya will work with Diageo to build the USL business as the current consumer trends for premiumisation accelerate in India.
The agreements are in two parts: An agreement to acquire a 19.3% interest in the current share capital of USL from the UBHL group, the USL Benefit Trust, Palmer Investment Group Limited and UB Sports Management (two subsidiaries of USL) and SWEW Benefit Company (a company established for the benefit of certain USL employees). Following this disposal, the UBHL group would continue to have a shareholding in USL amounting to 14.9%. The shareholders of USL will be asked to approve the preferential allotment to Diageo of new shares amounting to 10% of the post-issue enlarged share capital of USL.
These agreements trigger an obligation on Diageo to launch a Mandatory Tender Offer to the public shareholders of USL. On completion of the share purchases as described above and in the event that the tender offer were fully subscribed, Diageo will hold 53.4% of the enlarged USL share capital at an aggregate cost of approximately £1,285 million. This represents a 20x multiple of USL’s EBITDA for the year ended 31 March 2012.
Diageo and Dr Mallya have also entered into a memorandum of understanding under which they will form a 50:50 joint venture which will own United National Breweries’ traditional sorghum beer business in South Africa. Diageo’s investment for its 50% interest in the joint venture is expected to be approximately approximately £25 million.Diageo and Dr Mallya are also considering the possibility of extending this joint venture in order to maximise opportunities which exist in certain emerging markets in Africa and Asia (excluding India).
Paul Walsh, Chief Executive of Diageo, said, “I am delighted at the opportunity Diageo has to be part of India’s large and growing local spirits market. As a result of the agreements we are announcing today we will be well positioned to take the growth opportunities presented by a spirits market where growth is driven by the increasing number of middle class consumers. USL’s number 1 position in local spirits together with our growing international spirits business of leading brands will enable us to grow across the consumer space as India’s increasing number of middle class consumers look to enjoy premium and prestige local spirits brands as income levels rise. The combination of USL’s strong business with the capabilities which Diageo brings as the world’s leading premium drinks company will ensure that USL continues to lead the industry in India.
“Vijay Mallya’s experience in building USL to the leadership position it has is unique in our industry and in his position, as Chairman of USL, I look forward to working with him to deliver value for the shareholders of both USL and Diageo. ?The acquisition of our shareholding in USL is fully aligned with our strategy to build our presence in the world’s faster growing markets and enhances our position as the world’s leading premium drinks company.”
While Dr Vijay Mallya, Chairman of the UB Group, commented, “I am very proud of USL and what has been created over the last 30 years to bring this company to its pre-eminent position in India. I have had a long association with Diageo and therefore I am confident that this winning partnership with Diageo provides USL with the best possible platform for future growth. I am delighted to remain part of that journey as Chairman of USL as we work together to build continued value for the shareholders of USL and UBHL.”
Diageo will fund the acquisition through existing cash resources and debt. Diageo believes that its financial strength supports its current single A credit rating and will hold discussions with the rating agencies as a consequence of this announcement.
– In certain circumstances where the preferential allotment is not successful (including where it is not approved by the shareholders of USL), UBHL has agreed to sell additional shares ito ensure that Diageo has a minimum shareholding of 25.1%. In the event that Diageo does not acquire a majority interest it is likely that a minimum shareholding of 25.1%, together with the voting arrangements and other governance arrangements agreed with the UBHL group and its relationship with Dr Mallya as Chairman of USL, would enable Diageo to reflect the results of USL in its consolidated accounts.
– The tender offer will be governed by the applicable takeover regulations of India and is subject to certain conditions.