Diageo has broken ground on the site of its first whisky distillery in China where it plans to launch Chinese-origin single malt.

The distillery, which will be carbon neutral and located in Eryuan County in Yunnan Province, has had a US$75 million investment from the drinks giant and is set to produce Diageo’s first China-origin, single malt whisky. 

Sam Fischer, president, Diageo Asia Pacific and global travel said: “China is the world’s largest beverage alcohol market and the demand for whisky is growing rapidly among middle-class consumers who are keen to further discover and enjoy fine whiskies. Today we celebrate another significant step forward, and one which builds upon our local insights and combines those with Diageo’s global whisky expertise in order to delight the next generation of Chinese whisky consumers.” 

Fischer added: “The natural surroundings and the Eryuan landscape will allow us to craft a world-class, China-origin, single malt whisky that will capture the imagination of premium whisky lovers in China.”

Diageo has revealed that its ‘Society 2030: Spirit of Progress’ sustainability action plan will shape the design and development of the distillery and that it will use renewable and clean technologies to ensure it is carbon neutral, recycles all the water it uses, and is a zero-waste site.

The site, which is more than 2,100 metres above sea level and 66,000 square metres, will feature an immersive and interactive visitor centre to boost tourism and construction is expected to begin in early 2022.