WHYTE & Mackay, has signed up Meidi-Ya, principal purveyors to the

Japanese royal household and leading wholesale distributor, to market

its flagship brand, Whyte & Mackay Special and its range of 12, 18, and

30-year-old blends, in Japan under a 30-year contract.

The nationwide distribution, negotiated ahead of April's planned

reduction in the tax on spirits imported into Japan, will also include

John Barr, Old Mull, Stewart's Finest Old, Dalmore and

Tomintoul-Glenlivet.

Managing director, Mr Michael Lunn, heralded the development as ''the

most significant agreement the company has negotiated since the

acquisition of 10 new whisky brands in 1986 from DCL.''

Whyte & Mackay, which was sold last year by Lonrho to Brent Walker,

has high hopes of the new initiative. By the end of the first year it is

expecting a 100% increase in sales to Japan, multiplying seven times

after 10 years.