New Ryanair route could grow Scotch

Ryanair’s new route from Glasgow Airport to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, could boost Scotch exports to southeastern Europe, according to the Scotch Whisky Association.

Ryanair’s new route from Glasgow to Sofia is expected to benefit the Scotch industry

“Almost 8.5 million bottles of Scotch whisky were exported to Bulgaria in 2015, up from 6.5 million bottles in 2011,” an SWA spokesperson told Business Quarter.

“Any investment in new routes from Scottish airports is to be welcomed as it will help the Scotch whisky industry to secure this growth in the Bulgarian market and through it further develop trade links with Southern and Eastern Europe.”

While Scotch exports have declined in recent years, recent HMRC figures show a “significant improvement”. 2015 volumes slipped -2.9%, compared to -7% in 2014.

Bulgaria conversely has seen the value its imports of Scotch whisky increase by a compound annual growth rate of 12.5% each year since it joined the EU in 2005, according to WhiskyInvestDirect figures.

Ryanair announced its new Sofia base last week. Operations from the city will span 21 routes, carrying 1.5 million customers each year, said the airline’s chief commercial officer, David O’Brien.