Scotch Whisky exports earned £90 every second for the UK last year, with the value of shipments increasing by 14% to reach a new record of £2.8bn, according to figures published today by The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

The SWA revealed export volume was also at a historic high in 2007, growing 8%, with the equivalent of 1,135 million bottles of Scotch Whisky shipped overseas. Bottled Blended Scotch Whisky exports broke the £2bn barrier for the first time, with shipment value up 15% (to £2.22bn). Bottled Malt exports also rose by 11% in value (to £454m). Exports to most regions increased over the year, with shipments to Central & South America (+4% in value), Asia (+4.5%), North America (+5.5%) and the European Union (+27%) all growing. Tariff reform in the middle of 2007 gave exports to India - a key emerging market - a welcome boost, up 36% in value (to £33m). South Africa’s rapid rise into the industry’s top ten markets continued, with exports up a further 9% in value (to £91m).

SWA Chairman, Paul Walsh, said “This record export performance - generating £90 every second for the UK balance of trade - underscores just how important Scotch Whisky is to our economy. This is all the more impressive given the economic difficulties encountered in certain markets during the second half of 2007 and demonstrates that Scotch Whisky’s international appeal can mitigate against individual market or regional fluctuations. Distillers continue to watch market developments carefully but the trends remain positive, with both mature and emerging markets performing well, and Scotch Whisky growing on a sustainable basis.

“Announcements of new capital investment of £400m across the industry last year were a public vote of confidence in Scotch Whisky’s prospects and are good news for the wider economy. Distillers look to government north and south of the border to continue to work with them to support future international competitiveness, tackling barriers to market access overseas, whilst also recognising the importance of a fair tax and regulatory environment at home.”