By Ian McConnell

THE FAMOUS Grouse, produced by Glasgow-based Edrington, overtook Jack Daniel’s over the festive period to regain the title of the UK’s top seller by value within the whiskies category in the off-trade.

Edrington-Beam Suntory UK, which distributes The Famous Grouse, yesterday highlighted figures published by market researcher Nielsen showing a 2.6% year-on-year rise in sales of the blended Scotch to more than £71 million during the 12 weeks to January 4.

US whiskey Jack Daniel’s had held the top spot over Christmas 2018 but saw a 9.3% year-on-year drop in the value of its sales in the off-trade over the latest festive period, according to the Nielsen figures.

Mark Riley, managing director at Edrington-Beam Suntory UK, said: “The Famous Grouse for years has been the UK’s favourite whisky and driving force behind the blended Scotch category, so we are delighted to have reclaimed our number-one spot in the UK’s largest spirits category.”

He added: “It’s fantastic to see a Scotch back in the top spot, particularly for The Famous Grouse, where success has been driven by our strong equity, premiumisation and increased demand for smaller bottle sizes.”

Edrington-Beam Suntory Distribution UK is one of Britain’s biggest spirits sales, marketing and distribution companies. It is a joint venture, owned by Edrington and Beam Suntory.