Global demand for Scotch at record high

Record export value and volume achieved

£78 a second contributed to UK exports (£2.5bn in total)

Scotch represents a quarter of all UK food and drink exports

Over one billion bottles shipped worldwide

USA is largest market by value, reaching £400m for first time

Growth for both Malts and Blends

 

2006 was a record year for Scotch Whisky exports, with shipments of both Malt and Blended

Scotch Whisky increasing worldwide, according to new figures published by The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

Scotch Whisky exports rose by 4% in value reaching nearly £2.5bn, the highest ever value for shipments and beating a previous high of £2.4bn in 1997. In particular, there was encouraging growth for both bottled Malt exports (+7% to £408m), which broke the £400m barrier for the first time, and bottled Blended Scotch (+4% to £1.92bn) 

Export volume was also at a new record high with shipments surpassing the equivalent of one billion bottles, up 6% on 2005 levels (to 1,051m bottles). The previous record was achieved in 2001 (1,013m bottles). Bottled Malt shipments soared 23% in volume (76m bottles), with bottled Blended Scotch rising 4% (762m bottles) 

Consumer demand was broad based, with exports to each of the key regions growing in value and volume. Shipments to the EU (+0.2% in value), Asia (+2%), North America (+6%), and Central & South America (+24%) all rose on 2005 levels. Richard Burrows, the SWA Chairman, commented: “Building on a record year in 2006, the prospects for Scotch Whisky are brighter than they have been for many years. I’m greatly encouraged that distillers, large and small, are investing in facilities in Scotland and taking advantage of opportunities worldwide, with markets in Asia, North and South America offering strong potential for growth.  

“To support the industry’s international competitiveness, the SWA is continuing to press the case for new legislation that will improve both the legal protection of Scotch Whisky from unfair competition and help promote the positive reputation of Scotch to consumers around the world.”