Diageo breaks ground on $75m whisky distillery in China

Diageo has announced it has broken ground on a $75 million whisky distillery in Eryuan County, China.

The new distillery will produce Diageo’s first China-origin single malt whisky.

The facility will be 66,000 square metres in size and the site was selected due to its temperate climate, rich biodiversity and access to natural spring water.

Diageo’s new distillery will feature an interactive visitor centre to attract whisky enthusiasts and boost the local tourism industry. The design of both the distillery and visitor centre will incorporate cultural elements and embrace the region’s natural landscape.

Sam Fischer, president of Diageo Asia Pacific and global travel, commented: “China is the world’s largest beverage alcohol market and the demand for whisky is growing rapidly among middle-class consumers who are keen to further discover and enjoy fine whiskies”.

He continued: “Today we celebrate another significant step forward, and one which builds upon our local insights and combines those with Diageo’s global whisky expertise in order to delight the next generation of Chinese whisky consumers”.  

The news comes after Diageo announced plans to invest more than $500 million to expand its tequila footprint in Mexico.