China - November 19, 2024 British alcohol giant Diageo opens first whisky distillery in China (Voice_over) The world’s top whisky producer, Diageo, has turned a new page in China. Its single malt whisky distillery officially opened in Er’yuan County, southwest China’s Yunnan Province. (Sound_bite) Debra Crew, CEO, Diageo： "The great thing about Yunnan is its incredible biodiversity and the climate, the air and water quality. All of this is really important for whisky making." (Voice_over) With a planned investment of 120 million US dollars over nine years, the distillery is the multinational’s first whisky production site in China. Local officials see the project as a boost to the region’s overall development. (Sound_bite) Wan Peng, Local official: "On one hand, the distillery will create employment opportunities. On the other, it will attract visitors from around the world, boosting local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and shopping. This will have a significant indirect impact on increasing local residents’ income." (Voice_over) Whisky consumption in China has grown rapidly in recent years. An industry report indicates that in 2023, the total domestic whisky production reached about 50,000 kiloliters, representing a year-on-year growth of 127 percent. (Sound_bite) Debra Crew, CEO, Diageo: "We’re very excited about this investment, and we intend to continue to invest in it. Whiskey-making takes a long time, so it really is a long-term commitment into China. We look at China as being one of the most strategic markets." [Restriction: No access Chinese mainland]