Scotch industry commits to exports with charter

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has signed a charter committing to share best export practices with the Scottish food and drink sector.

The Scotch Whisky Association has signed the new Export Collaboration Charter

The new Export Collaboration Charter agrees 10 commitments that “build on lessons” learned by the Scotch whisky industry when growing its export markets around the world.

Launched in collaboration between the SWA and Scotland Food & Drink, which are working “closely” with Scottish Development International, the initiative aims to help Scotland reach its ambition of increasing exports from the current level of £5.1 billion to £7.1bn by 2017.

The SWA claims that the “success” of Scottish products abroad will in turn further boost Scotch whisky’s presence in export markets.

“Scotch Whisky is exported to almost 200 countries, generating around £4 billion a year,” said David Frost, CEO of the SWA.

“We want to help Scottish food and drink sectors learn from the success of Scotch – the country’s leading single product export – and this new collaboration shows our commitment to working with food and drink exporters to deliver growth for Scotland.

Frost added that Scotch whisky currently accounts for around 80% of Scottish food and drink exports, boosted by a strategy focusing on “long-term” thinking on trade issues, a focus on opening markets by working with governments and the EU, and collaborating at an industry level.

“I welcome this Export Collaboration Charter from the Scotch Whisky Association and Scotland Food & Drink, which can help deliver even greater future success for Scottish food and drink companies looking to sell across the globe,” said Richard Lochhead, cabinet secretary for rural affairs, food and the environment.

“It’s great that the SWA is showing its commitment to the food sector, as well as whisky, and I believe today’s Charter will potentially be a game-changer.

“Working together can lead to great things and I am confident that this collaboration will play a crucial role in helping the industry grow in strength and stature internationally.”

The Scotch whisky industry has been fighting exports declines in recent years, however, Frost asserted his confidence that the sector would return to growth in 2016.

The Export Collaboration Charter aims to:

• Promote collaboration through the regular exchange of information on export markets and opportunities
• Share experience on different markets, co-operating on advice and mentoring
• Facilitate working sessions with export specialists to encourage best practice
• Create a company match-making service that encourages  internationalisation
• Arrange seminars on market access and protecting intellectual property in export markets
• Discuss trade policy mechanisms and opportunities to tackle trade barriers
• Advertise potential export and commercial opportunities to members
• Partner on a regular basis to support the work of the Scotland  Food & Drink network
• Co-operate so that Scottish products are regularly showcased at whisky events in export markets
• Work together to support a number of Scotland Food & Drink and Scottish Development International events in priority markets.