IN BRIEF: Artisanal Spirits backs outlook after solid start to 2026
Artisanal Spirits Co - Edinburgh, Scotland-based distiller of single-cask and limited-edition whiskies - Confirms that the group has made a solid start to the financial year ending December, with trading in line with expectations and 2026 guidance unchanged. Cask sales growth, together with year on year revenue improvements in Asia and the US, are helping to offset a slower start in Europe, where consumer confidence remains subdued, company says. Scotch Malt Whisky Society recruitment starts the year strongly, with global new membership sales up by just over 20% in the first four months of 2026 on-year, with "particularly strong growth" in China and the US. Retention is holding steady at around 70% and total membership remains just under 40,000 members worldwide, it adds. Trading for SMWS America continues the positive momentum from the fourth quarter, with year-to-date sales up by single digits, and strong recruitment performance (up over 30%), driving single digit membership growth in the early months of 2026. Read More