Emperador invests in technology

Andrew Tan firm to ramp up production in Spain’s most modern vineyard

MANILA, Philippines - Emperador Inc., the liquor firm of property tycoon Andrew L. Tan, is ramping up production in its vineyard in Spain through investments in modern technology.

In a disclosure to the local bourse, Emperador said its world-renowned brandy would soon be produced in the most modern vineyard in Spain.

With the distinction of having the most technologically-advanced vineyard in Spain, Emperador said it expects to generate 500 percent higher yield than average Spanish vineyards.

 “With its modern and technologically advanced design, Emperador’s vineyard in Toledo is expected to yield approximately 30,000 kilos of grapes per hectare.  This is equivalent to five times the average yield of a typical Spanish vineyard,” said José Ramón Lissarrague, a professor in Universidad Politécnica de Madrid who is also part of a team tapped by Emperador to develop the best implementation strategies for the vineyard.

Lissarrague said Emperador’s Toledo vineyard now employs the most advanced technology in Spain as it features state-of-the-art technology called precision viticulture, a method focused on promoting the high production of grapes while reducing production cost per kilogram.

 “With precision viticulture, everything is considered-including when to turn off machinery in order to save on production costs,” said Jorge B. Domecq, managing director of Emperador’s wholly-owned subsidiary Grupo Emperador Spain S.A.

Aside from advanced technology, Domecq said location also plays a vital part in the success of the vineyard.

Toledo, located in the biggest wine-producing region in the world called La Mancha, has ideal weather conditions, with the hot and dry climate helping ensure plant vigor.

“Emperador’s vineyard in Toledo is superior to other vineyards in La Mancha because its location does not experience frost during spring time.  Frost could seriously affect the harvest,” Domecq said.

The Toledo vineyard, which is approximately 500 hectares, also uses a specially designed automated irrigation and monitoring system, Emperador said.

Emperador has acquired over 1,000 hectares of prime vineyard land in Spain since 2013.

Last year, the liquor firm sold 33 million cases, cornering almost 20 percent of the global brandy market.

In May this year, Emperador took over the spirits business of the world’s biggest premium drinks group. It bought Whyte & Mackay for $724.24 million, its largest acquisition to date.

Emperador is the top selling spirit in the Philippines with a dominant 50-percent share. It is company is behind brands Emperador, Generoso and Emperador Light brandies and a line of flavored alcoholic beverages called The Bar.

The company is part of Tan’s Alliance Global Group Inc., which is also into property (Megaworld Group), fastfood (McDonald’s franchise operator Golden Arches Development Corp.) and hotels and casino (Travellers International Hotel Group Inc.).