Alliance to safeguard integrity of Scottish spirits

Two industry associations have joined forces to protect ‘authentic’ Scottish craft spirits and boost growth across the sector.

Left to right: Alan-Wolstenholme, SCDA chair; Hannah-Dobson, of Scotland Food & Drink; and Liam Hughes, deputy chair of the SCSA and owner of Glasgow Distillery

The Scottish Craft Spirits Association (SCSA) and Scotland Food & Drink have formed an alliance at a time when the provenance of some self-proclaimed Scottish spirits has been questioned.

Under the collaboration, SCSA members will automatically become members of Scotland Food & Drink, described as an “industry-leading organisation tasked with driving responsible growth for the sector”.

As members of Scotland Food & Drink, distillers will gain access to the group’s network of contacts, including buyers, industry analysts and business support teams.

Established in 2014, SCSA offers a free accreditation scheme for its members. To receive this accreditation, distillers must own and operate a still, as well as manufacture and bottle in Scotland.

“These stringent rules are in place to protect Scottish craft distillers from those who use Scotland’s provenance and heritage to sell their products but, in reality, are manufacturing elsewhere,” the association said.

Professor Alan Wolstenholme, chair of the SCSA, added: “This alliance will allow us to continue the work that the SCDA has started on protecting the Scottish brand for distillers across the country.

“Ultimately, we are run by our members for our members and with the support of the Scotland Food & Drink team, we are working on a plan to maximise opportunities for the sector.”

The Spirits Business recently examined the craft spirits boom in Scotland, which is spilling over from categories such as gin and into Scotch whisky.