Breaking We’ll raise a glass to that! Whisky makes up a QUARTER of all UK food and drink exports EnglishHeadline

Scotch whisky is now so fashionable around the globe that gross sales account for greater than 1 / 4 of all of the UK’s food and drinks exports.

A brand new report reveals that the Scotch whisky business introduced £7.1billion into the UK economic system in 2022.

The Scotch Whisky Affiliation (SWA) – the commerce physique for the sector – mentioned the gross worth added (GVA) of whisky in 2022 had elevated by 29 per cent since 2018. 

The business is value £5.3billion to Scotland alone.

Whisky amounted to 77 per cent of Scotland’s food and drinks exports, in addition to 26 per cent for the UK total.

Scotch is the UK’s most respected food and drinks export

Mark Kent, chief government of the SWA, mentioned the report ‘has as soon as once more confirmed its financial significance to the UK’.

He added: ‘The previous 5 years have been turbulent for our sector, as we confronted retaliatory tariffs in the US along with the worldwide pandemic.

‘The Scotch whisky business has remained resilient, with capital funding directed in direction of fulfilling our collective sustainability ambitions, creating world-class customer sights and constructing extra distilleries that may assist increase jobs and development.

‘Forward of the UK spring funds on March 6 and this 12 months’s common election, it’s critical that the business is supported by authorities so that companies can proceed to put money into the UK economic system.’

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack welcomed the report, praising the ‘very important significance’ of the sector to Scotland.

He mentioned: ‘The UK Authorities wholeheartedly helps the business.

Mark Kent Chief Govt, Scotch Whisky Affiliation

Scotch isn’t just Scotland’s however the UK’s most respected food and drinks export and that’s why we’ve given it ten cuts or freezes in responsibility on the final 11 budgets, in addition to eradicating punitive tariffs imposed on the US market.

‘We’re pushing ahead with new world commerce agreements to safeguard the curiosity of Scotch whisky, making certain that the distinctive traits and fame of Scotch are protected.’

Scotch whisky helps 66,000 jobs throughout the UK, with 41,000 in Scotland. Previously decade 24,000 jobs have been created, the report mentioned.

Wellbeing Financial system Secretary Neil Grey mentioned the business is ‘extraordinarily invaluable’ to the nation, including: ‘Continued development in world markets means extra jobs and funding throughout Scotland, our communities profit and it entices guests and residents to expertise the unimaginable provide we now have right here in Scotland.’