Scotch whisky exports reach all-time high
Exports of Scotch whisky have almost doubled over the past decade, according to figures collated by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
According to figures by the HMRC, sales of exported Scotch whisky almost doubled between 2002 and 2012The Scottish Government analysed data by the HMRC, finding that sales of exported Scotch whisky from the UK had increased from £2.3bn in 2002, to £4.3bn in 2012.
Analysts also found that the volume of exported Scotch had increased by 32%.
Richard Lochhead, Scotland’s minister for food and drink, commented: “Scotch whisky is one of our most iconic products and these figures demonstrate the huge global demand for whisky.
“We export to 173 countries, from the United States – which has more than doubled its spend on our national drink – Brazil and China, to Bermuda, Papua New Guinea and the Vatican City.”
The US ranked highest by value on HMRC’s list of destination countries for overseas exports of Scotch whisky in 2012, spending £758m in 2012, compared to £302.5m in 2002.
Other countries comprising the list of top five export destinations included France (£434m), Singapore (£339m), Spain (£195m) and Germany (£169m).
However, France came top of the HMRC’s list of countries which received the highest net mass of Scotch whisky in 2012, suggesting that the US spent more on importing more expensive, luxury products.
