Scottish Whisky tops £7.1bn mark as UK's 'most valuable' food and drink export
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The contribution of the Scotch whisky industry to the UK economy reached £7.1 billion in 2022.
A new report by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has also revealed the industry now supports 66,000 jobs across the UK, of which 41,000 are in Scotland.
But the sector is warning that while there is room for further growth it continues to face multiple barriers.
These include the highest spirits duty rate in the G7, the need for investment on key infrastructure within Scotland and trade deals – including with India – still to be finalised.
Mark Kent, chief executive of the SWA, said: "The Scotch Whisky industry has once again proven its economic significance to the UK.
"The past five years have been turbulent for our sector, as we faced retaliatory tariffs in the United States, in addition to the global pandemic and the knock-on economic pressures.
"But the industry has remained resilient, with capital investment directed towards fulfilling our collective sustainability ambitions, creating world-class visitor attractions, and building more distilleries that will help boost jobs and growth.
"Ahead of the UK Spring budget on March 6 and this year’s general election, it is vital that the industry is supported by government so that businesses can continue to invest in the UK economy."
The SWA's report states that in terms of productivity the industry is second only to the energy sector within Scotland.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack from the UK government said: "I welcome this report which demonstrates the great strength and resilience of the Scottish whisky industry.
"Scotch is not just Scotland’s but the UK’s most valuable food and drink export."
The industry accounts for 77 per cent of Scottish food and drink exports, 26 per cent of UK food and drink exports, and 2 per cent of all UK goods exports
Neil Gray, the Scottish government's Wellbeing Economy Secretary, said: "The industry is extremely valuable to the Scottish economy in terms of production and exports and, increasingly, also for tourism and hospitality. It supports thousands of jobs – including in rural areas – and is a success story at home and internationally."
