William Grant & Sons Profit Drops 13% in 2025 Amid Weak Demand and Trade Pressures
William Grant & Sons reported a 13% decline in 2025 pre-tax profit to £337 million ($446.5 million) as turnover slipped 4% to £1.758 billion ($2.33 billion). Despite market headwinds, the spirits maker completed brand acquisitions, expanded facilities, and maintained brand investments while navigating a vacant CEO post.
William Grant & Sons reported a 13% drop in pre-tax profit for 2025, posting £337 million (US$446.5 million) compared to £388 million (US$520.6 million) in 2024. Turnover for the year ended 31 December 2025 fell 4% to £1.758 billion (US$2.33 billion). The owner of Glenfiddich and Hendrick’s Gin attributed the decline to persistent weak consumer demand, trade pressures, and broader geopolitical challenges.
The performance marks a continuation of tough trading conditions following 2024, when turnover fell 6.5% and pre-tax profit dropped 30% due to significant inventory destocking. According to Chief Financial Officer Graeme Jenkins, 2025 was 'another challenging year for the spirits industry,' with external economic pressures affecting performance across many key international markets. Despite the decline, Jenkins emphasized that the company's confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the spirits sector remains strong, adding that management will maintain strategic investments to ensure readiness when market conditions improve.
Throughout 2025, William Grant & Sons continued to make substantial investments across its brand portfolio and production assets. In July 2025, the company finalized the acquisition of The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt whisky brands from Edrington. Operational adjustments were also made within its distillery network: the producer reduced output at its Tullamore Irish whiskey distillery in April 2025, while continuing efforts to expand its Girvan Distillery located on Scotland's west coast.
Although detailed financial results for individual brands were not disclosed, the group noted that performance varied across its portfolio, yielding market share gains in several categories. Among specific brand activities, Glenfiddich underwent a redesign earlier in the year, and The Balvenie launched an 88-year-old single malt distilled in 1931, representing the brand's oldest whisky release to date. The financial results come as the company seeks new executive leadership, with the chief executive officer position remaining vacant following the departure of Søren Hagh in November, less than two years after assuming the role.
Key facts
- 2025 pre-tax profit dropped 13% to £337 million (US$446.5 million).
- 2025 turnover fell 4% to £1.758 billion (US$2.33 billion).
- Acquired The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt whisky brands from Edrington in July 2025.
- Reduced production at Tullamore Irish whiskey distillery in April 2025 and progressing expansion at Girvan Distillery.
- Chief Executive Officer position remains vacant following Søren Hagh's departure in November.
Why it matters
The results highlight ongoing macroeconomic headwinds across the global spirits market, including softer consumer demand and lingering trade adjustments. William Grant & Sons' tactical acquisitions and production recalibrations reflect how major spirits players are rebalancing capacity and strengthening brand portfolios despite short-term earnings pressure.
- Food Business Africa — 2026-10-03: “William Grant & Sons profit falls 13% in 2025”
This article was prepared by WBI.org from the sources listed above with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a WBI editor before publication. Information is attributed to its original sources.