The Scotch Whisky Association, has today released global
export figures that show the value of Scotch exports topped £5.6bn in 2023.
The equivalent of 1.35bn 70cl bottles of Scotch whisky were
exported last year, equating to 43 per second.
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| Scotch whisky exports hit £5.6 billion in 2023 |
The figures, released today, show a decrease on 2022 exports for both volume and value, which the industry says was a “bumper” year for exports as global markets reopened and restocked following the pandemic, as well as the full reopening of global travel retail.
The 2023 figures represent a more normalised depiction of
the current state of global exports, with robust growth on pre-pandemic
numbers. Exports of Scotch whisky have risen by 14% in value compared to 2019,
with a 3% increase in volume.
However, whisky bosses have also warned that 2023 posed
“significant” challenges for the sector both at home and in a number of key
markets, warning that maintaining these numbers without more concrete
government support in the coming year could hamper longer term growth.
Commenting on the news, Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the
Scotch Whisky Association, said: “Scotch whisky has once again shown its export
strength despite significant challenges across a volatile global trading
environment. The figures demonstrate that Scotch whisky brands and distilleries
are investing in their teams, their tourism offering, their long-term
sustainability and their global presence to ensure that Scotch continues to be
the world’s favourite whisky.”
Mark continued: “We know that the Scotch whisky industry is
remarkably resilient as we look at these numbers against the backdrop of rising
costs for consumers and businesses, but the figures are a reminder once again
that the Scotch whisky success story cannot be taken for granted. We need to
see more tangible support from government both at home and in our priority
markets in order to continue to grow our export numbers, and the resultant
investment, employment and economic benefits that come with that.”
Mark concluded by saying: “A cut to spirits duty in the
Spring Budget would be a step in the right direction, giving the industry
platform at home to push forward with international growth. Government must
also do away with any notion of restricting the marketing of Scotch whisky in
Scotland, which would have a significant and lasting impact on the industry’s
ability to generate future growth.”
The export figures come a month on from the industry’s
latest economic impact report, which showed that the contribution of the Scotch
whisky sector to the UK economy has reached £7.1bn annually, supporting 66,000
jobs across the UK.
Posted by Steve Rush