The Importance of Scotlands Whisky Industry

[William]

I came across this piece in the Press & Journal and thought it may interest yous. It is a reponse to the export figures just released by the whisky industry.

Scotland's national drink has produced a sterling performance by recording record export sales at a time of global economic downturn. Figures revealed by the industry show that overseas sales of whisky grew by 3% last year to a new high of more than £3billion, with double-digit growth in the key markets of France and America.

This excellent result supports the appeal by Scotch Whisky Association chairman Paul Walsh for all political parties to appreciate the importance of the drink to Britain's economy. The fact that overseas sales are increasing while the domestic market remains difficult suggest that the whisky industry should be viewed differently from other drinks when the Westminster and Holyrood governments consider tackling binge drinking through higher taxes or minimum price regulations.

Whisky is rarely the drink of choice for the people the governments need to target and is, instead, more likely to be savoured by people who not only enjoy the distinctive flavour of the different malts and blends, but also know when enough is enough. It is time, therefore, that our politicians recognised this key distinction and the significant contribution Scotland's whisky industry makes to Britain's economic wellbeing, and introduced a taxation system which encouraged future growth

William

Source: Press & Journal