Raising the Bar: Nikka Whisky Distilling Expands Team to Meet Soaring Global Demand

Nikka Whisky Distilling is planning to bolster its team of whisky experts, including blenders and technicians, to meet the growing demand for their products. Kazutomo Tamesada, the president of the company, recently revealed this plan during an interview in Tokyo.

Mr. Tamesada acknowledged that the current organizational structure does not allow for business expansion. To address this issue, Nikka aims to increase its staff to ramp up the production of unblended malt whisky, which is currently in short supply, and explore additional sales opportunities in international markets.

 

Over the past three years until 2021, Nikka had invested approximately 6.5 billion yen ($46 million) to enhance storage facilities at its Yoichi Distillery in Yoichi, Hokkaido, and its Miyagikyo Distillery in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. However, the company is considering further investments to secure an adequate number of barrels and distillation capacity for future production expansion.

Mr. Tamesada identified a challenge in finding skilled personnel, stating, "We're facing a challenge of technical tradition." While Nikka sometimes recruits individuals from its parent company, Asahi Breweries, located in Tokyo, it continually struggles to develop specialized human resources in the field of whisky. Mr. Tamesada emphasized the importance of nurturing "artisans" at Nikka, referring to experts in blending and distillation.

 

Although Japanese liquor makers have reduced whisky output since its peak year in 1983, the recent introduction of various whisky-drinking styles has reignited its popularity. Additionally, the airing of an NHK television drama series featuring Nikka founder Masataka Taketsuru has contributed to a chronic shortage of unblended whisky at the company. Consequently, Nikka's Taketsuru and other Japanese whisky brands have gained a significant following overseas.

 

Driven by strong demand, Nikka currently exports whisky to 60 countries and regions. The company aims to expand its overseas sales channels, primarily focusing on Asia, where its presence is currently weaker. However, in the immediate future, Nikka will concentrate on strengthening its existing networks in Europe and the United States.

As Nikka Whisky Distilling sets its sights on the horizon of expansion, the intoxicating allure of their spirits beckons the company to seek out the brightest minds in the whisky world. With unblended malt whisky in short supply and international markets calling their name, Nikka Whisky Distilling plans to assemble a team of visionary blenders and skilled technicians to meet the surging demand. While their journey has been paved with substantial investments and the quest for adequate resources, the true challenge lies in nurturing the next generation of whisky artisans. As Nikka tantalizes taste buds in 60 countries, the time has come to embark on a daring venture, capturing the hearts and palates of whisky connoisseurs across the globe. Are you ready to raise your glass to the exceptional journey that lies ahead?

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