By James A.  Loyola Emperador, Inc., the world’s largest brandy company, reported an 8 percent growth in net income to P6.8 billion last year as revenues rose 10 percent to P47 billion. Emperador inc. logo (Courtesy of PSEedge) “Our renowned brandy and whisky products sold all over the world are the catalysts for continued growth and long-term shareholder value enhancement,” said Emperador Inc. President Winston Co. He added that, “internationalization and premiumization will be the new frontier of growth moving forward.” Aside from the iconic Emperador Brandy, the firm owns Fundador Brandy and the luxury single malt Scotch whisky The Dalmore. Co said “the past year was exceptional for Whyte and Mackay with the business growing in every region of the world. Asia was a particularly strong market with revenues more than doubling as brands enjoyed fantastic success across a number of markets.” The Dalmore, Whyte and Mackay’s flagship single malt whisky product, was again a major growth driver as it continued to attract new consumers at the apex of the single malt category. For foreign brandy, led by Fundador, 2018 was a successful year as the company raked in compelling awards and brand recognitions in international competitions. Fundador and Terry brandies won a total of 10 gold medals, culminating in Fundador Supremo 18 YO being awarded as the “Best Grape Brandy” at the 2018 Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition. For local brandies, Co underlined the strong performance of Emperador. “Emperador brandy continues to lead the domestic market. New programs are being initiated to capture the growing middle class consumers.” Meanwhile, the company has an ongoing buyback of shares worth up to P5 billion over a 24-month period that began in May 2017. To date, roughly 259 million shares amounting to around P1.86 billion have been bought back.