Diageo has recently announced the opening of a new research & development (R&D) centre in China.
The Shanghai-based facility will work on product innovation and development with a particular focus on ‘premium’ spirits in the country. Construction will commence later this year and it will be operational by mid-2022.
Diageo is the owner of world-renown Johnnie Walker brand, and the reason for the investment is due to growing Chinese consumers’ preference for premium alcoholic brands, particularly at a time of growing disposable incomes in the major cities. The company also aims to build a portfolio of products in China for the China market, utilising local market research data.
Sam Fischer, President Asia Pacific and Global Travel said, “Together with the recent opening of our major logistics hub in Shenzhen, this facility sets Diageo up for continued success and reinforces our strategic commitment to our business across China.”
Diageo claims that the new facility in Shanghai will be ‘the first of its kind in the beverage alcohol sector’.
Diageo saw its sales revenue grew by 16% in fiscal year 2021. Diageo is a global leader in alcoholic beverage sector with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. Its brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.
