Scotch whisky exports soar by 22% Published duration 11 September 2011

image caption America remains the top whisky export market by value

Emerging markets helped boost Scotch whisky exports by 22% in the first half of this year, according to new figures.

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) said global shipments between January and June reached £1.8bn, up from £1.47bn achieved during the same period in 2010.

The USA remained the top export market by value with shipments hitting £268m, an increase of about 14%.

The SWA also said growth in Asia and South America was "very strong".

Exports to Central and South America reached £214.4m in the first six months of the year - a 49% jump on the same period in 2010 - while shipments to Asia increased by 33% to £422.5m.

Taiwan is now a top five market for Scotch whisky, with shipments growing to £70m from £48m. Exports to Brazil rose by 56% to £44.8m.

'Strong contribution'

The equivalent of about 569 million bottles was exported in the first six months, an increase of 19% to the end of June.

However, volume was up by less than 5% on an annualised basis between July 2010 and June 2011.

The SWA said that figure reflected the slowdown at the end of 2010 due to economic uncertainty, followed by a growth in confidence among producers bolstered by increased demand from emerging markets.

SWA chief executive Gavin Hewitt said Scotch whisky producers could be proud of their continuing success.

He said: "Scotch whisky is a main driver for the UK and Scottish economies in building export markets.

"We are making a strong contribution to the Scottish government's ambition of growing the country's exports by 50% by 2017.

"While traditional export markets remain important, we are making excellent headway in other regions. Consumer confidence is strong."

He added that a free trade agreement with South Korea and better legal protection for Scotch whisky in India and Turkey gave optimism for further growth.

India and Turkey are now among a growing number of countries which recognise Scotch as a product that can only be made in Scotland.

Welcoming the statistics, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "The news that whisky exports have rocketed by a quarter is absolutely phenomenal.

"Our whisky sector is an international success story and more and more discerning drinkers around the world are enjoying a dram and a little bit of Scotland.