Global Exports Of Scotch Whisky 22% Growth In First Half

Emerging markets have helped boost exports 22% of Scotch whisky in the first half of this year, according to new figures.

Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) said that the world deliveries in January-June stood at 1.8 pounds, up from £ 1.47bn achieved during the same period of 2010.

U.S. remained the largest export market of value of shipments of 268 million pounds frames, an increase of nearly 14%.

The SWA also said growth in Asia and South America was “very strong”.

Exports to Central and South America reached £ 214.4mi the first six months of the year – a jump of 49% over the same period in 2010 – while shipments to Asia increased by 33% £ 422.5m.

Taiwan is now the top five market for Scotch whiskey, with deliveries up to £ 70m from £ 48 million. Exports to Brazil increased 56% to £ 44.8m.

“With contributions”

The equivalent of about 569 million bottles were exported during the first six months, an increase of 19% in late June

However, the volume increased by less than 5% per year between July 2010 and June 2011.

The SWA said that the figure shows the slowdown at the end of 2010 Economic uncertainties, after which the growth of confidence in the producers have confirmed the increased demand from emerging markets.

SWA chief executive Gavin Hewitt said Scottish producers can be proud of their continued success.

He said: “Scotch Whisky is the most important in the UK and Scottish economies in the construction of the export market.

“We bring a strong contribution to the Scottish Government’s ambition to increase its exports by 50% in 2017th

“When the traditional export markets are still important, we make good progress in other areas. Consumer confidence is strong.”

He added that a free trade agreement with South Korea and better legal protection of Scotch Whisky in India and Turkey expressed optimism for growth.

India and Turkey is now among a growing number of countries that recognize the Scots as a product that can be made in Scotland.

Welcomes the statistics, said Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead: “The news that exports of whiskey exploded by quarter is quite phenomenal.

“Our industry whiskey is an international success, and drinking more and more demanding over the world enjoy a drink and a bit of Scotland.

“The food and beverage industry is central to Scotland’s world-famous. And it’s nice to see that even if the United States remains the largest market, emerging markets are booming, too.”

Tags: Gavin Hewitt, Scotch whisky, Scotland, Scottish Government, Single malt whisky, South America, United States, Whisky