Bosses at drinks giant Pernod Ricard have admitted they are “preparing” for Scottish independence – but warned that the booming whisky industry was “fragile” amid political upheaval.
The French firm’s chief executive Pierre Pringuet suggested that Scots remember that countries were becoming more integrated internationally – saying that “in this global world you need to have global ambition”.
His remarks were understood to be a warning against any radical tax changes in the wake of a Yes vote in September’s referendum, with Mr Pringuet specifically citing fiscal changes in Thailand which the sector “suffered” from.
Pernod Ricard is the second biggest spirits group in the world, behind Diageo, and owns some of the world’s best-selling whisky brands, including The Glenlivet, Chivas Regal, Aberlour and Ballantine’s.
Mr Pringuet and his colleague Laurent Lacassagne, the head of the Paris-based company’s Scotch division Chivas Brothers, became the latest high-profile business chiefs to enter the independence debate yesterday, following explosive interventions from BP boss Bob Dudley and others in recent weeks.
Asked by the Press and Journal about the impact of independence on the firm, Mr Pringuet said: “You know, Scotch whisky is a global industry and really reaching all parts of the world.
“Let’s be clear, the world is getting more and more global. One should keep that in mind.”
Pressed later to expand on the remark, Mr Pringuet said: “Scotch whisky is a global industry, which is also very fragile, because for instance a country like Thailand changed the tax system, absolutely against all the principles of the WTO (World Trade Organisation), and favouring local spirits against Scotch whisky, so we all suffer from that.
“That’s why in this global world you need to have global ambition.”
Mr Lacassagne revealed that Chivas Brothers has been in talks with the Scottish Government.
“I believe that first it is a question for Scottish people, and we don’t think we are in the best position, as a French company, expressing a view on the vote itself,” he said.
“On the business side of it, we are preparing ourselves of course, and to do that we are working with our industry body, the Scotch Whisky Association, which is continuing to seek clarity on a number of matters from the Scottish Government.
“We are directly involved in this discussion group of our peers.”
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