TOP brass at Dumbarton-based Scotch Whisky and premier gin makers Chivas Brothers have announced an encouraging set of financial results.

Laurent Lacassagne, Chairman and CEO, Chivas Brothers, admitted the firm's portfolio is in rude health after figures detailed growth from the first half of the financial year.

Mr Lacassagne said: "We have delivered a solid set of results which is evidenced by Chivas Regal’s performance stabilising in the first half of the year.

"In addition, there were some excellent performances across our world-leading portfolio.

"Ballantine’s saw its True Music platform and ‘digital first’ approach help to break a brand record with Finest exceeding six million nine litre cases; Royal Salute maintained momentum achieving 7% growth as it continued to build on its luxury credentials with new and exclusive limited editions, while The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve delivered +27% growth and successfully launched in a further 15 markets.

"Beefeater had a very strong start to the year, achieving 4% growth, supported by a series of impactful campaigns including the launch of its MIXLDN Bartender.

"The climate remains challenging but our performance across our core brands reflects our ability to balance our portfolio, be agile, innovate and seek out new opportunities in both emerging and established markets."

Mr Lacassagne also reserved special attention to the firm's ambitious £40m expansion plan at their current base in Kilmalid, saying: "At Chivas Brothers, we recently announced a £40 million investment in our Kilmalid site in Dumbarton, Scotland and once complete, this will be a major driver of our business for the future and the result will be a world-class facility that will support long-term growth.

"We approach the second half of the year with optimism and confidence in the future of our brands and our business."

He added: "It’s an exciting time for our business and the industry – Scotch whisky is firmly back to growth and conditions remain dynamic, while the gin category continues to boom."