Appetite for Scotch exports grows

The world's appetite for Scotch Whisky grew in 2005 according to figures released today by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

 The overall value of Scotch Whisky exports was up 4% on 2004, reaching £2.36bn, the industry's third best annual export performance.

 Shipments of both bottled in Scotland malt (+8% to £380m, the highest ever) and blended Scotch Whiskies (+4% to £1.84bn) also increased.

 Key figures​·​ Industry's third best ever export performance·​ Asia, North and South America drive export growth·​ Challenging year in European markets·​ Higher shipments of malts and blended Scotch Whiskies

 Exports to Asia​Exports to Asia were particularly encouraging (+24%), with important markets for Scotch Whisky continuing to develop in China (+86% to £46m) and Thailand (+25% to £48m). Exports to South Korea (+24% to £156m) and Taiwan (+24% to £102m) also grew strongly, with both featuring in the industry's top five export markets.

 Total export volume posted encouraging growth, with the equivalent of almost 990 million bottles of Scotch Whisky exported worldwide in 2005.

 This was an increase of 4%, or 34 million bottles up on 2004.

 USA biggest market​The USA remained the industry's largest market by value (up 10% or £35m to £373m).

 There was also a turn around in fortunes in South America, which grew by 19% overall, driven by increased exports to Brazil (+5%) and Venezuela (+48%).

 Overall exports to the EU were down 11%, as the industry faced challenging economic and operating conditions.

 The UK market also remained difficult, with overall clearances down 6% in 2005.

 Welcoming the 2005 export figures, Richard Burrows, Chairman of the SWA said:

 "All the signs are that we are seeing a renaissance for Scotch Whisky in its international markets. The industry is rising to the challenge of broadening the appeal of Scotch Whisky to new consumers in new markets.​

 "The geographic diversity of growth is notable. We believe Asia, Eastern Europe and the Americas all offer further strong opportunities for the Scotch Whisky industry to build on the worldwide growth in bottled in Scotland malt and blended Scotch Whisky brands."