2014 saw the value of Scotch whisky exports drop by up to 39% in half of its 20 top markets, contributing to an overall 7% decline in 2014. Figures released by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) show that the export value of Scotch totalled £3.95 billion in 2014, down by £310m on the previous year – a drop of 7%. The SWA has blamed “weaker economic conditions and political volatility in some markets” for the poor performance, and is calling for the EU and the next government – “no matter the political complexion” – to press the case for more open markets and trade agreements. The biggest plummet in value exports was in Singapore, which witnessed a 39% drop to just £201m – down from £329m the previous year. The overall volume decline here was worse still, falling 41%. Exports to the USA, the biggest market for Scotch, fell 9% by value to £748m. Volumes here also dropped by 7% to 118.6m bottles, with the SWA citing rising consumption figures to suggest a large build-up of stocks in the country was to blame. To read more, please visit: www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2015/04/scotch-value-drops-in-half-of-top-mark...
