Scottish brewer Innis & Gun has reported a sharp rise in turnover following a seven-figure spend on operations in 2010.
Turnover increased 20% to £5.2m (duty excluded) in 2010, with global case sales of 544,535. Like-for-like turnover in the January to August 2011 leapt 64% and has already past the turnover figure for 2010, the company said.
Profit figures have not been disclosed.
In the UK last year, and extra 2,000 outlets were secured for Innis & Gun’s core range, with the on-trade now the fastest growing part of its business. In addition, the off-trade business increased 30%.
UK director of sales Crawford Sinclair said: “The speciality beer category is now worth over £34m per annum in the UK and growing ahead of the overall beer category. The top five brands including Leffe, Hoegarden, Innis & Gunn, Erdinger and Duvel account for almost 80% of this turnover, acting as signpost brands for potential new consumers entering the category for the first time.”
The company’s investment in 2010 saw Innis & Gunn bring its financial accounting and reporting in-house; its UK sales operations were also taken in-house, with the appointment of a UK director of sales along with a small team of sales and administrative staff.
The last year also saw the setting up of its American subsidiary Innis & Gunn USA, and updating its computer systems. In addition, the firm relocated to new offices in central Edinburgh.
Managing director Dougal Sharp said: “By the end of 2009, the business had been growing on such a strong trajectory that we knew we had to take a step back to look at our structure and to assess what changes would be necessary to ensure the business model was in peak condition for future growth. We completed that assessment by the end of 2009 and we implemented the changes throughout 2010.
“Last year’s seven-figure inward investment has really paid off with an amazing 2011 so far that has surpassed all expectations.”
