Scotch Whisky exports grow in value and volume

Scotch Whisky exports grew in the first six months of 2013 as the industry continues to lead the way for the UK's food and drink sector and export-led recovery.

Figures released today by the Scotch Whisky Association show that the value of exports increased by 11% to almost £2 billion in the first six months of this year from £1.78 billion in the first half of 2012. Some 563 million bottles of Scotch Whisky were exported between January and June this year, up 9%, or almost 50 million bottles, from the same period in 2012.

This snapshot of export performance in the first half of 2013 reflects growing demand from a wide range of markets against a slowdown during the same period a year earlier. On an annualised basis, the value of exports rose by 6% to £4.5bn from £4.2bn in the 12 months up to the end of June.

There was growth in mature markets, such as the USA and France, with a welcome return to growth in Spain, alongside increasing demand from emerging economies, such as South Africa and South America.