Scotch whisky exports to China rose 66%

LONDON, Nov 5 (Reuters) - Exports of Scotch whisky grew at their highest rate for a decade in the first half of the year, the industry body said on Friday, with status-conscious drinkers in emerging markets providing a major boost.

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) said global shipments jumped 17 percent to 1.47 billion pounds ($2.37 billion) for the first six months of the year, compared with the year-ago period.

"In emerging markets, increasingly aspiring customers can for the first time afford to try premium products like Scotch whisky," said an SWA spokesman.

"It's about making a statement of who you are. You're showing that you're aware of these brands, that you enjoy them, and that you can afford to buy them."

South Korea bought 69 percent more Scotch, while growth in China was 66 percent and South Africa 44 percent.

But drinkers from developed countries still brought the most value, with exports to the United States, the number one market, rising 34 percent from the equivalent period last year to 233.7 million pounds.

The top export markets in Europe, including France, Spain and Germany, also saw steady demand, with export values only falling in Greece, where tough economic conditions contributed to a 9 percent drop in Scotch shipments.

By bottles shipped, the total of 477 million bottles exported during the period was 3 percent higher than the year-ago, the third-highest rate since 2000.

Scotch accounts for as much as a quarter of the value of all food and drink exports from the United Kingdom and for more than 80 percent of those from Scotland.