The Artisanal Spirits Company, owner of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), has launched a new franchise in Vietnam. 

The company said that the launch enables SMWS to enter one of the world’s top 10 markets for ultra-premium Scotch whisky. 

It also noted that Vietnam has an estimated total addressable market of $239 million, according to the IWSR. 

Further IWSR data released last week showed that Vietnam’s overall alcohol volume grew by 2% in 2024. 

The franchise in Vietnam marks a milestone in the group’s expansion in Asia. It follows SMWS franchise launches in 2023 in Korea and a subsidiary in Taiwan, alongside longer-established subsidiaries in China and Japan. 

Andrew Dane, CEO of Artisanal Spirits Company, said: “The addition of the new market in Vietnam further expands our footprint in Asia and gives us direct access to one of the top 10 ultra-premium Scotch whisky markets, helping us to capture demand for our unique combination of ultra-premium and limited-edition whiskies and outstanding experiences and knowledge.”