“Reasons to be Cheerful…”
Our order book for malts is presently under performing. We are told, for one reason or another, everyone has stopped drinking alcohol. For the time being perhaps. But we believe there are still reasons to be cheerful.
Number: 1
The explosion of publicity surrounding our pubs is quite astonishing and ongoing. Commentators are keen to highlight the community, social and heritage values of our hostelries, with attention grabbing headlines every week. It is widely reported that the public are now responding.
Number: 2
For every report of a pub closure, there is another of niche pub groups buying them up with exciting and enlightened plans for re-openings. Even JDW expects to open new venues in 2026.
Number: 3
Whisky market experts tell us the current downturn in global demand is cyclical, not structural. The halving of tariffs into India and now China, will improve bulk sales. 2026 is expected to be better than 2025.
Number: 4
Wage inflation currently exceeds the CPI (Consumer Price Index). This should increase spending money. The continuing trials and tribulations in Whitehall will provide the excuse.
Number: 5
At Warminster, all our 2025 customers are still ordering our malts, but not quite as frequently as last year. But Easter is early and this traditionally kicks off the ‘staycation’ tourism surge.
As Field Marshall Viscount Slim famously said
“Things are never as bad, …as at first they seem”.
