Scotch whisky exports to Taiwan up strongly in H1

Exports of Scotch whisky leapt by around a fifth in the first half of 2011, owing to strong demand from emerging markets and also consumers in the US, the Scotch Whisky Association has said.

Scotch whisky exports rose by 22% to GBP1.8bn (US$2.85bn) for the six months to the end of June. Export volumes rose by 19% on the same period of 2010, to 569.3m bottles, said the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) today (12 September).

Singapore, Taiwan and Brazil showed the strongest increases, with exports to these countries up by 64%, 45% and 56% in value respectively, said the SWA, which derives its data from the UK's HM Revenue & Customs. There was growth, too, in mature markets. The US retained its crown as the biggest market for Scotch whisky by value, with exports to the country up by 14% to GBP267.6m. France remained second, with exports up by 13% to GBP219.5m.