Scotch Whisky exports remained strong in 2013, and Single Malt continued to increase in popularity, according to figures published on Friday by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

In value terms, Scotch Whisky exports were steady at 4.3 billion pounds (about 7.18 billion U.S. dollars) last year, while in volume terms, exports increased to the equivalent of 1.3 billion bottles in 2013 from 1.2 billion bottles in the previous year, said a SWA press release.

Demand for Single Malt continues to grow, with exports up 5 percent in 2013 to reach a record of 820 million pounds, nearly a fifth of the total Scotch exports by value, according to SWA.

Overall, Scotch Whisky represents around 85 percent of Scottish food and drink exports and nearly a quarter of the British total.

Last year, exports of Scotch to the United States grew 8 percent on 2012 to a record of 819 million pounds, by far the largest market for Scotch in value.

France remained the largest volume market for Scotch in 2013, increasing by 16 percent to 177.8 million bottles.

However, direct exports to some parts of Asia fell in 2013, with the South Korean and Japanese markets both fell by 15 percent in value.

David Frost, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, expressed his confidence on growing demand for Scotch Whisky in the long term despite of some economic headwinds in the short run. (1 pound = 1.67 U.S. dollars) Endi

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)