[MM-MALTS-L] [Fwd: Diageo CASE ID 2248914]

[Ron Smith]

Diageo were kind enough to send me a reply (see below). In support of 
Horst's viewpoint, I can see how a business - particularly a 
multinational business with responsibilities to shareholders and 
employees worldwide - has to make hard decisions in times of adverse 
economic climates. What irritates me is the exploitation of peoples 
attachment to history and culture in order to sell more product, while 
not maintaining any commitment to the same by the companies putting 
across this (amazingly skilled and impressive) BS. I find it sad that 
whisky has grown beyond the local communities producing a product of 
which they can be proud and offering it to the world, to the point it 
becomes just another brand. I find it cynical and hypocritical when the 
marketing of the brand makes out it is still that couthy doon hame 
steeped in tradition product, while behaving as if it was no more than 
just another label.

Slainte
Ron


Dear Mr. Smith,

Thank you for taking time to write to us following our announcement on 
July 1st, regarding the proposals for the restructuring of Diageo’s 
Scottish business.

Diageo has undertaken an exhaustive review across all our manufacturing 
locations in Scotland and it is with regret that we have announced 
proposals for the closure of the packaging plant in Kilmarnock over a 
two-year period, and Port Dundas distillery in 2010.

These proposals have been made to ensure the long-term sustainability of 
our business in Scotland.

With over 4000 employees in Scotland we are very proud of the skill and 
dedication of our workforce and remain committed to our business in 
Scotland.

Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky will continue to be produced exclusively in 
Scotland and we are devoted to maintaining its strong international 
growth, as we are with all Diageo drinks brands.

If you require any further information regarding the proposed plans 
please visit www.diageo.com/scotland.

Kind regards,

Gráinne
DIAGEO Consumer Careline
-------------- next part --------------
An embedded message was scrubbed...
From: grainne.devereux at diageo.com
Subject: Diageo CASE ID 2248914
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:48:29 GMT
Size: 2585
Url: http://lists.grsnet.net/pipermail/mm-malts-l/attachments/20090814/c18db89d/DiageoCASEID2248914.eml