Diageo toasts Johnnie Walker success with Dubai Duty Free

Tina Milton

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Diageo celebrated Johnnie Walker’s status as Dubai Duty Free’s number one brand by hosting a celebratory dinner in Dubai earlier this month

Diageo recognised the status of Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky as Dubai Duty Free’s (DDF) top ranking brand by hosting a dinner at Le Meridian Hotel in Dubai recently. At the event, which was attended by senior executives from Dubai Duty Free and Diageo, DDF was praised for supporting the brand over the past 23 years.

Diageo master blender Ian Williams was the host of the evening. Based at Cardhu, Scotland, Ian has been with Diageo since 1968 and was honoured with the title of ‘Keepers of the Quaich’ for his contribution to the Scotch industry. Fellow ‘Keeper of the Quaich’ DDF managing director Colm McLoughlin, was accompanied by his senior management team at the dinner.

Diageo general manager Gulf RL Rajah recognised the support and cooperation received from DDF to make Johnnie Walker the number one brand. He drew parallels between John Walker, who started off as a small time grocery merchant in Kilmarnock, Scotland to go on and develop this great brand in Johnnie Walker, and Dubai Duty Free, which from a start-up operation in 1983 has gained worldwide recognition as one of the top three airport retailers in the world. 

The evening concluded with Rajah, along with regional director-MENA Diageo Roland Abella, presenting the commemorative plaque to Colm McLoughlin and deputy managing director Dubai Duty Free George Horan.

Accepting the plaque, McLoughlin thanked Diageo for its recognition and for the great evening. He mentioned that Johnnie Walker contributes over 3% of Dubai Duty Free’s total turnover, which in 2006 reached $712m, and would remain a key brand for many years to come.