Grant’s is world’s third largest Scotch whisky by retail value

Grant's, Scotland's oldest family-run blended scotch whisky, has been ranked by International Wine and Spirits Research (IWSR) as the world's number three Scotch whisky in retail value, marking a milestone in the family-owned firm's 124-year history.

Over the last five years, Grant's claims to have consistently grown ahead of the category, achieving in 2010 worldwide sales of 4.8 million cases and retail value of over $1 billion.

In 2008, William Grant & Sons, independent, family-owned distillers, announced a £35 million global investment package, comprising new packaging, a global marketing campaign and investment in the company's production facilities in Girvan, Scotland.

The brand, which includes Ale and Sherry Cask Editions as well as aged 12, 18 and ultra- premium 25yo variants, has continued to post rapid growth in emerging whisky markets such as Russia and established markets such as France and the UK.

Grant's global brand director Kate Athanasi commented: ''This is a very exciting time for Grant's. Just over a hundred years ago William Grant's son-in-law first took his family's blended Scotch to the world. Today we're the top selling family blend thanks to our multi award-winning whisky and our rich family heritage, which resonates with whisky drinkers across the globe.''

The Grant's story started when founder William Grant's distillery produced its first spirit in 1887.

Today, crafted by master blender Brian Kinsman, Grant's is the oldest family-owned blend in Scotland.