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Diwisa – Craftsmanship & high-tech

Diwisa is a family business from Central Switzerland. Founded in 1918, it is now one of Europe’s most modern distilleries. Distilling takes place in the traditional copper vessels where craftsmanship is combined with high-tech elements. In addition to perfecting the product range and quality management process, the focus is on innovation and customer satisfaction with a 24-hour service on offer, all possible thanks to the streamlined structure, fast decision-making processes and unusually close proximity to the market. With an annual turnover of around 160 million francs in 32 countries, Diwisa is the number one on the Swiss spirits market.

‘The Swiss Factory’ combines tradition and high-tech under one roof. Each year, up to 8,000 tons of fresh fruit are processed at Switzerland’s largest must storage facility of 82 tanks. The ecological waste water treatment plant saves up to 100,000 litres of water per day – and is therefore Europe’s most modern distillery with a 50% energy recovery rating. 10,000 bottles pass through the high-tech filling process per hour.

Diwisa combines tradition and ‘jet-set’ under one roof with its broad product range. The fruit spirits from Original Willisauer added to a ‘Kafi Luz’ (coffee with fruit schnapps) are now a key feature of many traditional and cultural events. The diverse range of colours and flavours of TROJKA impress many partygoers while fans of premium products favour Xellent Swiss Vodka, Swiss Edelweiss Gin or Château du Breuil Calvados.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for the white Rum Escape 7 and Xellent Edelweiss Gin and silver for the Escape 7 Rum Anejo Reserva and La Valadiere Poire William.

Clint Wilfred & Sons – Good taste for rapidly expanding markets

Clint Wilfred & Sons Ltd brings a carefully selected portfolio of drinks to the Gulf region and Southeast Asia. The young company targets fast-moving products in the HORECA – Hotel/Restaurant/Café and Hotel/Restaurant/Catering market segment. It is run by Clint Wilfred, whose family has been in the spirit production and distribution business for over four decades.

One main focus of business activities lies in the United Arab Emirates. To offer new products on this rapidly growing market is a great challenge, as the demand for premium and niche products is constantly increasing and customers’ wishes are very diverse. The range, therefore, also includes non-alcoholic and carbonated soft drinks, still and sparkling water, ready-to-drink teas, energy sport drinks and other New Age drinks. There is also a strong focus on a wide selection of packaging sizes and formats.

One special product in the spirits product category is Count Cristo Blended Scotch Whisky, a premium blend with a high malt content from the Scottish Speyside region and with some lowland malt for added depth and character.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Count Cristo Blended Scotch Whisky.

Aldi Ireland: Gin and whiskey in retail

Aldi Ireland has several top products in its spirit range: Boyle’s Gin from the Blackwater Distillery and Ardfallen Whiskey from the West Cork Distillery, in addition, Mo Chara Passionfruit & Mango Gin from the Old Carrick Mill.

The Blackwater Distillery has been an Aldi partner since 2016 and developed the private label Boyle’s Gin exclusively for the Irish and British retail market. The product volume of the Blackwater Distillery for Aldi has risen strongly in recent years, whereby 140,800 bottles of the gin series were sold in 2018. The successful gin brand is manufactured in Blackwater Valley, West Waterford, with selected imported ingredients as well as regional apples, blackcurrants and elderflower. CEO Peter Mulryan – former TV producer and author of the book ‘The Whiskeys of Ireland’ – explains, “The partnership with Aldi has helped us to increase turnover enormously, and also to have the security to invest and expand. This includes on-site bottling facilities and a visitor centre.” Ardfallen Whiskey from the West Cork Distillery got its name from the region in County Cork where the malted barley comes from, and is only manufactured in small batches. The business was founded in 2003 by childhood friends who started out with only two small stills they had bought in Switzerland. Now the largest distillery in the country, it currently employs over 80 staff and exports to around 70 countries.

At the World Spirits Award, there was Gold for Ardfallen 10 Year Old Whiskey and Boyle’s Gin, and Silver for Boyle’s Sloe & Damson Gin and Ardfallen Whiskey.