The Scotch whisky industry is to call for closer collaboration with the government to ensure the next 20 years of growth at its annual conference today.
Today’s annual Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) members’ day in Edinburgh will hear from speakers including SWA CEO Karen Betts, Deputy First Minister John Swinney, and incoming SWA chairman Peter Gordon.
Ms Betts said: “In the last 20 years Scotch whisky has doubled its export values, with steady growth of around 4% annually. In 2017 that meant exports worth nearly £4.4 billion being sold in 180 markets around the world.
“We are proud of our industry’s success and of our global reach, that we are intrepid internationalists, and that Scotch travels so well.
“But this is not taken for granted by the industry. Our success is determinedly cultivated. And nor should it be taken for granted by government. For countries need strong industries, strong employers, and strong and successful traders and exporters,” added Ms Betts.
“More than in recent memory we now need a closer and different kind of collaboration with government, a deeper understanding on all sides, to ensure that the next 20 years see as much steady growth as the last 20 years.”
Ms Betts added: “We continue to call on government to ensure that, after Brexit, we can trade as easily with Europe as we did as an EU member.
“A third of Scotch whisky exports go to Europe, an established, mature market for Scotch.
“At a minimum, we want to see agreement on zero tariffs, a minimum of regulatory divergence, and mutual recognition of geographical indications.”