Nick Clegg toasts Scotch whisky

Published: 21 January, 2011

The Deputy Prime Minister praised the Scotch whisky industry as it was announced that global exports are heading for a record year ? up 12% in the first 10 months of 2010.

At a visit to Chivas Regal's Strathisla distillery in Keith, Clegg announced global Scotch whisky exports were up 12%, with shipments totalling £2.8 billion between January and October.
Clegg said: "The dynamic Scotch whisky companies are making great strides to exploit new markets and new opportunities and the UK government will continue to do whatever we can to assist them. We signed an agreement with China late last year to ensure there is greater legal protection for whisky in that country. I know from my talks in Scotland today that fair market access and tariff liberalisation in relation to India is a major priority in 2011."

The export data showed there were significant increases in exports to the important emerging markets. Exports to Brazil were up 11% to £55m; China ? up 46% to £48m; India ? up 65% to £32m and Russia ? up 118% to £27m.

The Scotch Whisky industry supports over 40,000 jobs and contribute in excess of £1 billion in tax revenue. Gavin Hewitt, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, said: "Scotch whisky represents a quarter of all British food and drink exports and makes a significant contribution to the UK balance of trade. The industry and government work closely on securing fair access to our export markets. That is vital to Scotch whisky's continued global success and its contribution to export-led economic growth."

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