The contribution of the Scotch Whisky industry to the UK economy reached £7.1bn in 2022.
A new report by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) also reveals the industry supports 66,000 jobs across the UK, of which 41,000 are in Scotland. The Scotch Whisky industry is now responsible for generating £3 in every £100 of Scotland’s total Gross Value Added (GVA), and is the second most productive sector in Scotland, ranked just behind energy including renewables.
Scotch whisky companies have continued to invest to drive growth, employment and productivity despite domestic and international challenges. However, the sector is now warning that while there is room for further growth, Scotch whisky continues to face multiple barriers, including the highest spirits duty rate in the G7, key infrastructure in Scotland in need of investment, and trade deals - including with India – still to be finalised.
These challenges combined with rapidly increasing competition from premium spirits in global markets put future investment, growth and jobs at risk without government support.