FDBusiness.com

2010 was a record year for Scotch whisky exports with global shipments rising by 10% to reach a value of £3.45b, according to new figures published by The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA). The performance confirmed Scotch whisky as one of the UK’s top exporting industries. Scotch whisky exports have increased by 60% since the turn of the century, adding an extra £1.29b in value.

The figures reflected continued premiumisation across the industry, with export value increasing despite a marginal decrease in volume (-2% to the equivalent of 1.06b 70cl bottles).

The SWA reports encouraging growth across different Scotch whisky categories. Single malt exports increased by 18% (to £577m) and bottled blended Scotch whisky shipments rose by 5% to £2.6b.

Eight of the top ten markets grew in value, with a strong performance in the US (+19% to £499m) which remained Scotch’s largest export market by value. The ‘BRIC’ markets continued to develop, with exports growing to Brazil (+12% to £67m), China (+24% to £55m), India (+46% to £41m) and Russia (+61% to £31m).

“Scotch Whisky is a world class industry that consistently delivers for the UK. Global exports increased for the sixth consecutive year and are now 60% higher in value than in 2000,” says Gavin Hewitt, chief executive of the SWA. “To help distillers build on a successful 2010, the SWA continues to work hard to secure fair access to Scotch whisky’s export markets and better legal protection. We saw real progress on our trade agenda last year, including agreements for lower tariffs in South Korea and GI registration in China.”

He adds: “This year we look to the successful conclusion of the EU-India free trade negotiations to deliver major improvements in the tariff and trading conditions for our members’ brands in India, a market offering significant future potential.”