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Most valuable Scotch whisky category exports
From blends to malts and grains – what were the most valuable styles of Scotch whisky exported last year?
The latest data from the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) showed a decrease on 2022 exports in 2023 in both volume and value. The industry has described 2022 as a ‘bumper’ year for exports, as global markets reopened following pandemic lockdowns – including global travel retail.
Asia Pacific continued to be Scotch whisky’s largest regional market by value in 2023, with record value exports to China – up by 165% compared with 2019.
The SWA cited premiumisation as a key driver in the region, with single malt continuing to grow in popularity among consumers.
Earlier this week, we counted down the 10 biggest Scotch whisky export markets by volume and value, as shared by the SWA.
But when it comes to whisky styles, which were the biggest value exports last year? Scroll down to learn more.
7. Bottled single and blended
Looking at 2023 exports compared with 2022 and bottled single and blended Scotch whisky exports rose by more than a third in value, up by 34% in 2023 to reach £26 million (US$32.8m). The subcategory represents 0.5% of global exports.
6. Bulk single and blended grain
The sixth biggest export by value last year was bulk single and blended grain, despite an 8% decrease compared with 2022. Accounting to 1% of global exports, the subcategory was worth £54m (US$68.1m) last year.
5. Bulk blended malt
A 10% decline from 2022 to 2023 brought the export value of bulk blended malt to £117m (US$147.5m). Bulk blended malt represents 2% of global exports.
4. Bottled blended malt
Bottled blended malts also represent 2% of global exports, and proved to be more resilient in 2023, when its export value dipped by 1% to £138m (US$174m).
3. Bulk blend
The export value of bulk blended whisky decreased by 9% from 2022 to 2023, when the subcategory was worth £173m (US$218.1m).
2. Single malt
The second most valuable Scotch whisky style exported last year was single malt, which grew by 2% to reach £2.02bn (US$2.6bn). Single malt Scotch represents 36% of global exports.
1. Bottled blend
The biggest export subcategory by value in 2023 was bottled blended whisky, despite a 16% decline compared with 2022. The value of bottled blend exports fell to £3.1bn (US$3.9bn) last year – but the category still represents more than half of global exports at 55%.
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