Thursday 15th April 2010
World raises a glass to Scotch
The Herald Scotland
While the world may have had to tighten its collective belt amid the downturn, it seems there are some luxuries it is craving more and more.
And thankfully for Scotland, its national drink whisky is one of them.
While many sectors have been buffeted by the recent economic storm, global exports of Scotch whisky have reached record levels thanks largely to the appetites of French and American fans.
According to the Scotch Whisky Association, exports last year rose by 3% to £3.13 billion, contributing £99 every second to the UK trade balance. Export volumes increased by 4% worldwide, with the equivalent of 1.1 billion 70cl bottles of whisky shipped.
Using the figures to call again for Government support, the trade body said the industry’s performance had been exceptional in the face of recession.