Crisp MD Euan Macpherson, who joined the group in 1987, is retiring from the industry after overseeing the production of enough malt to produce more than 64 billion pints of beer.

His tenure at the group has resulted in production more than trebling, up from 120,000 tonnes of malt in 1987 to 430,000 tonnes today.

Adrian Dyter, formerly of Boortmalt and Carlsberg has now taken over as Crisp Malting’s managing director.

He explained: “At a time when craft brewing and distilling are expanding so rapidly and when interest in ingredients is growing so fast, this is a fantastic company to be joining.

“Quality and customer service are already at the top of Crisp’s agenda. There’s a lot of innovation going on and the team has some of the best technical expertise in the industry.

“All this means the company is well-positioned to accommodate demands from the growing craft beer and whisky sectors in the UK and across the world. It helps that we have one of the country’s three remaining floor maltings; that we can provide grain whole or ready-crushed; and that we’re as happy to deliver 25kg bags as to deliver in bulk.

“In addition to providing the very best malt in the market, our aim is to make things as simple as possible for customers. Euan’s mantra of ‘profitability through complexity’ has been a key factor in Crisp’s success, and will remain a driving force.

“The leadership may have changed, but the focus on fantastic local ingredients, and service which is second to none, hasn’t. It may be challenging to follow the momentum and growth of recent years, but with the excellent team I’ve inherited, it’s definitely possible – and I’m determined to make it happen.

“I’ll be looking to build on the fabulous assets we already have in terms of raw materials, people, plant, product, technical expertise and trade. And,” he concludes, “I’ll be ensuring that we’re responding to the markets and listening to our customers. Hopefully they can join me in raising a glass – or a thousand – to that!”