Read the Article below and Answer ALL the Questions that follow

McConnell's Irish Whisky now available in SA

One of Ireland's most cherished whiskey brands, McConnell's Irish Whisky, embarks on a new chapter in its journey as it's

now available in South Africa. This whiskey is now within reach for South African connoisseurs, thanks to the renaissance

led by the Belfast Distillery Company in collaboration with Firebrand Africa.

John Kelly, chief executive at McConnells Irish Whisky. Image supplied

With roots tracing back to the year $1776,$ McConnells Irish Whisky boasts a storied past, founded by the esteemed

McConnell family, who were revered blenders, bottlers, and distillers in Belfast City over three centuries. A testament to their

success, McConnells thrived for more than $150$ years, etching its name in the annals of Irish whiskey history. However, the

whiskey industry faced its trials in the form of fire, war, political turmoil, and technological advancements, leading to a

decline in the $1930$s$.$

Fast forward to $2019,$ and McConnells Irish Whisky has experienced a revival, spreading its wings to over $40$ global

markets. Now, with great anticipation, the Belfast Distillery Company eagerly anticipates the inauguration of the new

McConnells Distillery and Visitor Experience. Housed in a Grade A listed building $-$ A wing of The Crumlin Road Gaol $-$ this

venture promises a journey into the heart of McConnells legacy.

John Kelly, chief executive at McConnells Irish Whisky, recently graced South African shores, bringing with him the

compelling story of McConnells and its ambitious future endeavours, coinciding with his attendance at Whisky Live.

Kelly remarked, In partnership with Firebrand Africa, we are thrilled to introduce McConnells Irish Whisky to South Africa,

sharing the rich history and heritage of our brand with this region. Our schedule is bustling, with planned visits to Cape Town and our participation in Whisky Live in Johannesburg, where we will present our portfolio of premium products.

"I am eager to meet fellow whiskey enthusiasts and share the remarkable journey of McConnells Irish Whisky, including our

esteemed $5-$Year and Sherry Cask Finish expressions."

Carolina van der Horst, managing director of Firebrand Africa, expressed her excitement: We are delighted to welcome

McConnells into our brand portfolio. John's presence in South Africa for the launch of the Sherry Cask Finish and Whisky

Live presents a wonderful opportunity to introduce these expressions to a wider audience, paving the way for exciting new

launches and activations in $2024."$

During his visit, Kelly showcased two of McConnells award$-$winning products. The original McConnells Irish Whisky $5$ Year,

a blend of Irish malt and grain whiskies, gently matured in select bourbon casks, imparting notes of vanilla sweetness, ripe

fruits, butterscotch, and pepper spice. This $5-$year expression is bottled at $43\%$ ABV.

Also debuting in the South African market is McConnells Sherry Cask Finish, aged for five years, initially matured in first$-$fill

select Bourbon barrels and then finished in the finest Oloroso Sherry Casks, unveiling rich aromas of dried figs, dark

chocolate, and lingering spice. It is bottled at $46\%$ ABV, non$-$chill filtered.

QUESTION $1(20$ Marks$)$

According to the article, one of Ireland's most cherished whiskey brands, McConnell's Irish Whisky, embarks on a new

chapter in its journey as it is now available in South Africa and thirty nine other countries.

$1\mathrm{.}1$ Critically discuss possible reasons why McConnell's Irish Whisky is venturing into global markets, and specifically

South Africa. $(10$ Marks$)$

$1\mathrm{.}2$ Contemplate and discuss the risks that McConnells Irish Whisky must weigh before making a decision to go

global. $(10$ Marks$)$