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 Scotch
Whisky’s growing popularity in France –
more than 5 bottles every second are
shipped to the country - will be toasted
at a reception in the British
Ambassador’s Residence in Paris tonight
(Wednesday 23 June 2010).
Over 100 trade, business and media
guests will attend a ‘Celebration of
Scotch Whisky’ reception, hosted by Sir
Peter Westmacott KCMG LVO, the British
Ambassador to France.
A 12% rise in exports in 2009 confirmed
France as Scotch Whisky’s largest market
by volume, with the equivalent of 179m
bottles shipped. More Scotch Whisky is
therefore sold in one month in France
than Cognac in a year. Scotch Whisky
also outsells traditional anise-based
drinks and accounts for over a third of
the total French spirits market.
2009 industry figures revealed that the
value of exports to France has more than
doubled to £407m over the last decade,
with Scotch Whisky accounting for around
a quarter of all Scottish exports to the
market.
Ahead of the reception, the Scotch
Whisky Association is holding a seminar
for the European drinks trade explaining
the impact of the new Scotch Whisky
Regulations on the legal protection and
international marketing of Scotch
Whisky. The new law protects the
authenticity of Scotch Whisky from
copycat products and ensures consumers
always receive clear information on
labels about what they are buying.
Gavin Hewitt, Chief Executive of The
Scotch Whisky Association, said:
“Scotch Whisky’s continued success in
France is a Scottish export success
story, with French consumers
appreciating the authenticity, flavour
and heritage of our brands. Last year
was a record one for Scotch Whisky
distillers in what has become our
largest market by volume.
“Our visit to Paris is also an
opportunity to raise awareness of the
Scotch Whisky Regulations across the
European drinks trade. This important
new law helps us to grow consumer
knowledge by putting in place clear and
consistent Scotch Whisky labelling
rules.”
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