2010 was a record year for Scotch whisky exports, according to new figures published today by
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) . The performance confirmed Scotch Whisky as one of the
UK’s top exporting industries.
Global shipments were valued at £3.45bn, a 10% increase on 2009. Scotch Whisky exports have
increased by 60% since the turn of the century, adding an extra £1.29bn in value.
Export value broke the £100 a second barrier for the first time, contributing an additional
£10 every second to Bri tish exports compared to 2009 (£109 v. £99 a second).
The figures reflected continued premiumisation across the industry, with export value
increasing despite a marginal decrease in volume (-2% to the equivalent of 1.06bn 70cl
bottles). Export volume in 2010 was 7% (or 72m extra bottles) higher than in 2000.
The SWA reported encouraging growth across different Scotch Whisky categories. Single Malt
exports increased by 18% (to £577m ) and bottled Blended Scotch Whisky shipments rose by 5%
(to £2.6bn).
Eight of the top ten markets grew in value, with a strong performance in the USA (+19% to
£499m) which remained Scotch’s largest export market by value. The ‘BRIC’ markets continued
to develop, with exports growing to Brazil (+12% to £67m), China (+24% to £55m) , India (+46%
to £41m) and Russia (+61% to £31m).
Gavin Hewitt, Chief Executive of the SWA, said:
“Scotch Whisky is a world class industry that consistently delivers for the UK. Global exports
increased for t he sixth consecutive year and are now 60% higher in value than in 2000. This
year’s strong performance – contributing £109 a second to UK exports - demonstrates that
distillers are playing a key role in export -led recovery.
“To help distillers build on a successful 2010, the SWA continues to work hard to secure fair
access to Scotch Whisky’s export markets and better legal protection. We saw real progress on
our trade agenda last year, including agreements for lower tariffs in South Korea and GI
registration in China.
“This year we look to the successful conclusion of the EU-India free trade negotiations to
deliver major improvements in the tariff and trading conditions for our members’ brands in
India, a market offering significant future potential.”
- Ends -
Summary of Scotch Whisky shipments by value on a regional basis (2010)
North America (+20% to £608m)
The United States remained the industry’s largest export market by value (+19% to £499m).
Encouraging growth was also experienced in Mexico (+41% to £59m), which is now Scotch
Whisky’s 15th largest market.
Central & South America (-9% to £355m)
The Brazilian market continued to develop (+12% to £67m) and is now the 11th largest export
destination by value. However, the overall regional figure was lower due to the negative
impact of continuing economic and political challenges in Venezuela (-46% to £63m).
European Union (0% at £1.26bn)
Whilst the industry had a nother positive year in France (+4% to £422m), both Greece (-26% to
£97m) and Spain (-15% to £268m) proved to be difficult markets due to the economic situation
in those countries. Greek excise duty on Scotch Whisky , for example, was increased three
times in 2010 as part of the government’s austerity measures.
Asia (+32% to £716m)
Exports to Asia experienced a strong year, with South Korea, a top ten market, returning to
growth after a difficult 2009 (+36% to £153m). China continued to develop, with direct
shipments up 24% to £55m.
Africa (+41% to £213m)
Exports to South Africa account for nearly 80% of shipments to the region. Scotch Whisky
enjoyed another good year in South Africa, with shipments up 56% to £169m.
Australasia (+3% to £72m)
Australia is now ranked as the industry’s 12 th largest export market by value, with shipments of
£65m, up 2% in 2010.


