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 Today’s
Annual General Meeting of the Scotch
Whisky Association emphasised the need
for the industry to continue to expand
overseas, promote responsible alcohol
consumption and press for fairer
taxation and open trade.
Addressing around 200 members and guests
at the Sheraton Hotel in Edinburgh, Ian
Curle, SWA Vice Chairman, discussed the
factors required for the Scotch Whisky
industry to maintain its success. In
2010, the industry delivered £3.45
billion of exports to the UK economy,
10% greater than 2009, and a 60%
increase on exports ten years ago.
Mr Curle said: "In delivering six years
of record breaking results we have
learned the importance of three factors
in achieving that success: the
internationalisation of our industry,
the need for a fair framework in which
to compete and, increasingly, the
ability to work collaboratively with
others to promote responsible
consumption."
He added: "Whilst it is true that
recession gripped weak economies in
Europe we capitalised on better
conditions to the east and west."
Mr Curle also highlighted how the duty
taxation burden in the UK is unfair and
discriminates in favour of imported
categories of alcohol. And he explained
how the SWA will increase its efforts to
work with producers, retailers and
public health experts to encourage
responsible drinking.
Also speaking at the AGM, Gavin Hewitt,
Chief Executive of the SWA, provided an
insight into the Association’s work for
members in the past year. He explained
the progress made on the industry’s
environmental profile following the
launch of its strategy in 2009 and its
commitment to energy efficiency, a
commitment that matches the environment
ambitions of the new Scottish
Government.
Mr Hewitt referred to the need for the
industry to have better market access.
"Our success overseas depends on our
zeal in keeping markets open and
reducing the barriers to open and fair
trade."
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