Scotch Whisky and Scottish Salmon, two iconic British exports, have defied challenges in 2023 and reached impressive milestones
The value of Scotch Whisky exports surpassed £5.6bn, with a total of 1.35bn bottles being shipped around the world – equivalent to 43 bottles per second.
Simultaneously, Scottish salmon emerged as the top food export for the UK, valued at £581m, exceeding other popular British products.
Although both industries faced hurdles in 2023, including the impact of Brexit and global economic conditions, they demonstrated remarkable resilience.
The demand for Scotch Whisky exports in Asia-Pacific, although not reaching the peak of the previous year but surpassing pre-pandemic numbers, maintained its dominant position.
"Scotch Whisky is a major UK exporting success story contributing billions of pounds to the economy and supporting thousands of jobs." - Lord Offord, UK Government Minister for Exports
The value of Scotch whisky exports to China increased by 165% compared to 2019, while single malt Scotch Whisky remained a favorite among consumers in this region and others.
Europe, including France, maintained its position as a significant export market for both volume and value.
Meanwhile, the Scottish salmon sector faced challenges due to increased red tape, rising costs, and a dampened economic environment but continued to thrive.
As the two industries look towards 2024, they remain optimistic about the future with ongoing efforts to press for longer-term government support and tariff-free trade.
Mark Kent, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, stated: "These figures are a testament to the resilience and adaptability of these two British exports in the face of challenging circumstances."
Tavish Scott, CEO of Salmon Scotland, echoed this sentiment, adding: "The Scottish salmon sector remains committed to investing and creating jobs for the future, but we need ongoing support from our political leaders to navigate these
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