Simpsons Malt backs whisky sector
AGRICULTURAL merchant Simpsons Malt has affirmed its confidence in the Scotch whisky sector in spite of falling exports.
It came as the malt supplier booked an increase in pre-tax profit from £7.5 million to £9.4m in its most recent year.
That followed a dip in turnover f rom £157.9m to £155.8m in 2014 said to have been caused by a decrease in raw material prices.
Writing in the accounts, Simpsons Malt directors said: “Despite a reduction in Scottish whisky exports during the year the distilling industry remains confident of strong global demand for Scotch.
“As our customers continue to invest in new distilling capacity we are well placed to support their needs.” THE Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart sold 78 store heifers in Dumfries yesterday to a top of 265.4p per kg and an average of 222.9p (-1.2p on the previous sale), while 71 store bullocks peaked at 243.5p and levelled at 211.2p (-7.4p).
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 377 prime lambs at Ayr yesterday to a top of £96 per head and 213.6p per kg to average 188.9p (+14.3p), while 84 prime hoggs peaked at £78 and 169.7p to level at 150.1p (+8.2p).
A smaller show of 242 cast sheep saw ewes sell to £120.50 for Beltex and £78 for Blackfaces. John Swan Ltd sold 46 prime heifers in St Boswells to a top of 257p and an average of 215.7p (+3.7p), while 44 prime bullocks peaked at 240p and levelled at 209.8p (-0.8p). In the rough ring 62 beef-type cows averaged 129.8p (-1.5p).
The firm also sold 680 prime lambs to a top of £97.50 per head and 209p per kg to average £82.45 and 188p (no change), while 445 prime hoggs peaked at £95 and 200p to level at £73.70 and 157p (+2p). The 323 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £115 for Bluefaced Leicesters and average £84.25, while light ewes peaked at £90 for Cheviots and levelled at £63.09.
Harrison & Hetherington Ltd sold 9 prime heifers in Carlisle yesterday to a top of 214.5p and an average of 194.8p (+28p), while 36 prime, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 209.5p and levelled at 185.3p (-7.8p). Six prime, dairy-bred bullocks sold to 133.5p and averaged 129.5p.
Sixty-three prime, beefbred bulls sold to 207.5p and averaged 171.8p (-7.7p), while 56 prime, dairy-bred bulls peaked at 167.5p and levelled at 130.9p (-9.3p).
In the rough ring 123 beef cows averaged 129.5p (-2.7p) and 195 dairy cows levelled at 102p (-4.6p). Ten bulls averaged 123.7p (-7.6p).
The firm also sold 998 prime lambs to a top of £101.80 and 246.5p to average 189.9p (+4.9p), while 175 prime hoggs peaked at £98.80 and 188.9p to level at 158p (+1.8p). The 129 cast sheep sold to £120 for Texel ewes.
Lawrie & Symington Ltd sold 22 prime heifers in Lanark yesterday to a top of 245p and an average of 224.1p (+3.1p), while 6 prime, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 236p and levelled at 213.4p (-0.7p). Six prime, B&W bullocks sold to 136p and averaged 134.8p (-7.6p).
In the rough ring 49 beef cows averaged 131.7p (-3.2p) and 23 dairy cows levelled at 106.8p (+3.3p). The firm also sold 138 prime lambs to top of £96.50 and 195.5p to average 191.5p (+5.8p), while 488 prime hoggs peaked at £90.50 and 172.7p to level at 137.8p (-7p). The 231 cast sheep forward saw ewes sell to £135.50 for Texels and £68.50 for Blackfaces.