Diageo Eryuan Malt Distillery Visitor Centre Reception with view of Copper Stills

PR92775

ERYUAN, China, Nov. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

-The distillery in Yunnan Province will be carbon neutral when it opens

Diageo, the global leader in beverage alcohol and owner of Johnnie Walker and

Singleton Scotch whiskies, today broke ground on the site of its first malt

whisky distillery in China.

Located in Eryuan County in Yunnan Province, the Diageo Eryuan Malt Whisky

Distillery will produce Diageo's first China-origin, single malt whisky.

Details of the US$75 million investment were officially unveiled at a special

ceremony today in Eryuan, attended by provincial and local government

officials, industry representatives, and the local community.

"China is the world's largest beverage alcohol market[1] and the demand for

whisky is growing rapidly among middle-class consumers who are keen to further

discover and enjoy fine whiskies", said Sam Fischer, President, Diageo Asia

Pacific and Global Travel. "Today we celebrate another significant step

forward, and one which builds upon our local insights and combines those with

Diageo's global whisky expertise in order to delight the next generation of

Chinese whisky consumers."  

At more than 2,100 meters above sea level, the site of the 66,000 square meter

distillery was carefully selected for its temperate climate, rich natural

biodiversity, and access to natural spring water that is a source of the second

largest highland lake, Erhai Lake, in Yunnan. Sam Fischer added, "The natural

surroundings and the Eryuan landscape will allow us to craft a world-class,

China-origin, single malt whisky that will capture the imagination of premium

whisky lovers in China."

Diageo's 'Society 2030: Spirit of Progress' sustainability action plan will

shape the design and development of the distillery. Renewable and clean

technologies will be used in the distillery to ensure it is carbon neutral,

recycles all the water it uses, and is a zero-waste site.

The site will feature an immersive and interactive visitor centre that will

attract whisky enthusiasts and boost the local cultural tourism industry. The

sustainable and innovative design of both the distillery and the visitor center

will incorporate local cultural elements and embrace the region's natural

landscape.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2022.  

Notes to Editor:

Diageo's commitment to sustainability: More information on Diageo's Society

2030 Spirit of Progress action plan can be found here

(https://www.diageo.com/en/society-2030/).

Diageo's plans for building a low carbon future: Combatting climate change and

its associated impacts is at the heart of Diageo's 'Society 2030: Spirit of

Progress' action plan. The company has already halved the carbon emissions

associated with its operations since 2008 and is now working to reach net-zero

carbon across its direct operations by 2030, harnessing 100% renewable energy.  

As part of its 2030 action plan, Diageo is developing site-by-site roadmaps and

is also working to achieve net-zero carbon across the entire supply chain by

2050 or sooner, with an interim milestone to achieve a 50% reduction by 2030.

Building on a long track-record of environmental, social and governance (ESG)

progress globally, Diageo is now in the top 1000 companies in the world taking

action to address climate change in a science-led and systemic way. The

company's goals in this space have been calculated in accordance with the

principles of Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and recently validated as

meeting the criteria for the 1.5°C pathway.  

Diageo is also part of a pioneering group of organizations that are championing

a green recovery and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals, through

membership of the United Nations Global Compact, We Mean Business Coalition and

other key global advocacy organizations. As a signatory to RE100, Diageo aims

to source 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. In addition,

Diageo has signed onto the global Race to Zero campaign, a commitment to

achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 or earlier.  

About Diageo: Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding

collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include

Johnnie Walker, Singleton, Smirnoff, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio,

Tanqueray, and Guinness. Diageo is a global company whose products are sold in

more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the

London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more

information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at

www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource,

www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

[1] International Wines & Spirits Record (IWSR) database, 2020 Report, accessed

at https://www.theiwsr.com/

Source: Diageo

Image Attachments Links:

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=406160

   Caption: Diageo Eryuan Malt Distillery Visitor Centre Reception with view of Copper

Stills; the distillery will access natural spring water that is a source for

Erhai Lake.

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=406162

   Caption: Aerial view of Diageo Eryuan Malt Whisky Distillery, a site inspired by the

harmony of culture, nature and craftsmanship.

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=406163

   Caption: Diageo Eryuan Malt Whisky Distillery Visitor Centre Entrance; at more than

2,100m above sea level, Diageo’s first malt whisky distillery in China will be

carbon neutral.

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=406164

   Caption: Diageo Eryuan Malt Distillery Visitor Centre Whisky Barrels Beacon Tower

Skywell; a collection of cask heads from Diageo distilleries all over the world

reflect our rich heritage and experience in whisky making.