Scotch blender Campbell Meyer faces backlash over Russian whisky bottling deal

RUSSIA – Campbell Meyer & Co, a Scotch blender and bottler based in East Kilbride, has reportedly signed a contract to bottle its Glendale whisky brand in Russia.  

The company plans to ship enough whisky to fill 70,000 bottles monthly, with deliveries expected to begin by the end of the year, according to Russian newspaper Vedomosti. 

The decision has drawn criticism from political figures and human rights advocates, particularly as it comes amid widespread calls for companies to sever business ties with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.  

Scottish Labour MP Blair McDougall condemned the deal, describing it as “deeply disappointing” in light of Russia’s continued aggression towards Ukraine. 

“It is all the more galling to see Scotland’s national drink part of this,” McDougall said. 

“Russia is an enormous criminal enterprise run by a gangster class. It is simply not possible to take one part of the economy and separate it out from the war economy that is threatening Ukraine and the whole of Europe.”  

He urged Campbell Meyer to reconsider its involvement in Russia, suggesting the reputational damage could outweigh any financial gains. 

Campbell Meyer is not a member of the Scotch Whisky Association, which has previously called on companies to cease trading in Russia.  

The blender has a history of operating under various designations, including JG Distillers and John Grant Blenders, according to Companies House records. 

The deal stands in contrast to actions taken by major drinks producers such as Diageo, LVMH, and Pernod Ricard, which suspended exports to Russia following the start of the war.  

Wine imports from the EU also reached a 20-year low in 2024. 

However, Russian alcohol consumption has surged despite international sanctions. The first 10 months of 2024 have seen record sales of alcohol among Russian consumers, according to calculations made by the local alcohol regulator, with wine and vodka driving retail sales. 

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