USA: Diageo to build new distillery in Shelby County, Kentucky

Global wine and spirits company Diageo has announced plans to build a distillery and six barrel storage warehouse on 300 acres of land in Shelby County, Kentucky, USA.

The estimated investment will be $115 million and Diageo plans to have the distillery operational by 2016. Approval for the new facility, which will distill bourbon and North American whiskey brands, is being awaited from local authorities.

Larry Schwartz, president of Diageo North America, commented: “This proposed investment in Shelby County, in the heart of Kentucky bourbon country, will cement our commitment to expanding our share of the American whiskey category,” he also added “Diageo has a long tradition within the craft of whiskey-making and we look forward to bringing this artisanship to the new distillery.”

Food & Drinks Business Europe reports that bourbon is currently the fastest growing spirits category in the US, seeing 14% value growth over the latest 52 weeks.

Source: Food & Drinks Business Europe