‘First glass’ firm continues growth
Award-winning East Kilbride glassmakers Glencairn Crystal toasted an unbroken run of 15 years of continued business growth this week.
In 2004 the Langlands-based firm – owned and run by the Davidson familuy – turned over £858,000 with the latest figures in 2019 reaching an unprecedented £11.3m.
The exponential growth of the business comes from, not only existing markets, but the expansion into new markets such as China.
The US continues to provide huge growth for Glencairn and is now worth some £4m a year of the company’s business with US online sales alone accounting for nearly £1m worth of this.
Glencairn now ships to 95 countries worldwide, working with over 600 distilleries directly.
Some of the company’s most high-profile decanter projects include luxury bespoke decanters for a single malt whisky that have been hand engraved using rare gemstones.
In the past year the company has been commissioned by over 30 different brands to create bespoke packaging for some of the oldest and most luxurious single malt whiskies ever released.
New Product Development Director at Glencairn, Scott Davidson, said: “We are so proud of the success we have achieved in this past year. Our hardworking team and the worldwide growth of the spirits market, specifically whisky, has meant that we have been able to capitalise on what we do best – provide clients with a high-end customer service they can’t get anywhere else.”
Glencairn’s clients include leading drinks companies, brands and other outlets, including: BP, Brown-Forman, Cunard, Diageo, Houses of Parliament, Muller, Google, Scottish Parliament, Liverpool FC and the majority of the Scottish Whisky manufacturers, in addition to many of the international whisky and spirit producers.
Created in 2001, the Glencairn Glass has seen an average year on year global sales increase. Often referred to as the official tasting glass, the company makes over three million per year, across hundreds of brands, distributed to over 90 countries worldwide.