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US spirits exports rise 10.6% in H1 2017

American whiskey bolstered US spirits exports during the first half of 2017, with the country’s total export value up by 10.6% compared to the previous year.

American whiskey was praised for helping to increase the value of US spirits exports by 10.6% in H1 2017

Distilled spirits exports were up more than US$67 million, reaching a total of US$698.5m in the first half of this year, the Distilled Spirits Council reported.

American whiskey, including Bourbon, Tennessee whiskey and American rye, was singled out as a key driver of sales, increasing almost US$27m (6.1%) to US$464.6m.

American brandy also demonstrated “strong” growth, up US$12.2m (39.4%) to US$43.45m. Meanwhile, vodka was up US$11.4m (51.2%) to US$33.6m, and rum was up US$5.2m (49.5%) to US$18.55m in total.

Christine LoCascio, Council senior vice president for international trade, said: “This clearly demonstrate the growing appeal of US-made spirits, particularly American whiskeys, in many foreign markets.

“But other traditionally smaller categories such as brandy, vodka and rum are now showing strength in many highly competitive markets.

“Several of the countries showing strong growth in value or percentage imports are markets where the Council conducted recent promotions, including Germany, France, Brazil, Hong Kong and Singapore.”

Other “strong” markets for the first six months of the year included Italy, Poland, Latvia and Chile. Canada is still the biggest market for spirits exports, which were valued at US$87.6m from January to June 2017.

Mexico was the 10th biggest export market, with sales reaching US$18.4m during the same time frame.

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