Scotch Whisky exports to China rose 24% in 2010

2010 was a record year for Scotch Whisky exports, according to new figures from The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA). The performance confirmed Scotch Whisky as one of the UK's top exporting industries.

Global shipments were valued at £3.45 billion, a 10 percent increase on 2009. Scotch Whisky exports have increased by 60 percent since the turn of the century, adding an extra £1.29 billion in value.

Export value broke the £100 a second barrier for the first time, contributing an additional £10 every second to British exports compared to 2009 (£109 v. £99 a second).

The figures reflected continued premiumization across the industry, with export value increasing despite a marginal decrease in volume (-2% to the equivalent of 1.06bn 70cl bottles). Export volume in 2010 was 7% (or 72m extra bottles) higher than in 2000. 

The SWA reported encouraging growth across different Scotch Whisky categories. Single Malt exports increased by 18% (to £577m) and bottled Blended Scotch Whisky shipments rose by 5% (to £2.6bn).

Eight of the top ten markets grew in value, with a strong performance in the USA (+19% to £499m) which remained Scotch's largest export market by value. The ‘BRIC’ markets continued to develop, with exports growing to Brazil (+12% to £67m), China (+24% to £55m), India (+46% to £41m) and Russia (+61% to £31m).