Cosco Capital ties up with global whisky brand

MANILA, Philippines - Cosco Capital Inc., the investment vehicle of retail magnate Lucio Co., is teaming up with global alcoholic beverage maker Diageo to distribute one of the world’s largest selling scotch brands in the Philippines.

Cosco Capital said liquor and spirits distribution subsidiary Montosco is partnering with Diageo to offer VAT 69 in Greater Manila and Luzon starting this month.

“Diageo sees a strong opportunity for growth in the Philippines. It has a rapidly emerging middle class, a young population, and a growing appreciation for Scotch whisky. We are excited by the prospects within the whisky category and believe it is the right time to bring VAT 69 to the Philippines,” said Jon Good, managing director of Diageo Philippines.

VAT 69 is a blended Scotch whisky known for its “sweet and rounded flavor.”

Good said Vat 69, which is 100 percent Scotch, is seen to have a wider market in the country because it offers good value for its price.

“We are proud to partner with Montosco to expand the Scotch whisky offering in the Philippines with VAT 69. The brand is rich in history, globally renowned, and we are pleased to bring it to consumers who appreciate heritage, quality and provenance,” he said.

As a global leader in alcohol beverages, Diageo has a collection of 100 Scotch, Irish, Canadian and American whiskies, including the world’s biggest Scotch whisky portfolio, and has 28 malt whisky distilleries producing popular whiskies such as Johnnie Walker and J&B.

Johnnie Walker is available in almost 200 countries worldwide with sales of 170 million liters per year.