Global exports of Scotch whisky grew to more than £6bn for
the first time in 2022, according to figures released today by the Scotch
Whisky Association.
Despite significant economic headwinds and global supply
chain disruption, last year the value of Scotch whisky exports was up 37% by
value, to £6.2bn. Up £1.68bn compared with 2021 and £1.28bn compared to 2019
(pre-pandemic). The number of 70cl bottles exported also grew by 21% to the
equivalent of 1.67bn.
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| Scotch whisky exports exceed £6bn for the first time |
While established EU markets such as France, Germany and Spain continued their post-pandemic bounce-back with strong growth in 2022, India replaced France as the largest Scotch whisky market by volume.
The Asia-Pacific region overtook the EU as the industry’s
largest regional market, with double-digit growth in Taiwan, Singapore, India
and China as the post-Covid recovery continued.
In North America, the United States continued its recovery
following the impacts of tariffs on single malt Scotch whisky to again be the
industry’s only market with exports valued over £1bn. Both Mexico and Canada
also saw growth, underlining the importance of securing further market access
wins through the renegotiation of the UK’s Free Trade Agreements with both
countries.
Commenting on the news, Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the
Scotch Whisky Association, said: "During a year of significant economic
headwinds and global supply chain disruption, the Scotch whisky industry
continued to be an anchor of growth, supporting investment and job creation
across Scotland and the UK.”
Mark went onto say: “The enduring strength of Scotch whisky as
the UK’s leading food and drink export is its global appeal to consumers who
recognise the quality of the spirit, with production increasingly grounded in
sustainable practices as we continue to reduce our impact on the environment by
investing in the future. Passing £6bn in export value for the first time is a
milestone, and testament to the work of our member companies and the tens of
thousands of employees across Scotland and the UK supply chain who make Scotch whisky
a global success story of which we are rightly proud.”
The Scotch Whisky Association, also said that the industry
will have to continue to navigate economic headwinds, including global
inflationary pressures, domestic energy and business costs and a reduction in
consumer confidence. But with the right government support they are confident
that the industry can continue to deliver for the Scottish and wider UK
economy.
Posted by Steve Rush