The contribution of the Scotch Whisky industry to the UK economy reached £7.1bn in 2022, with £5.3bn generated in Scotland, according to a new report by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).
The report also reveals that, as well as supporting 66,000 jobs across the UK and 41,000 in Scotland, the industry is responsible for generating £3 in every £100 of Scotland’s total Gross Value Added (GVA) – the second most productive sector in Scotland, ranked just behind energy including renewables. The industry now accounts for 77% of Scottish food and drink exports, 26% of UK food and drink exports, and 2% of all UK goods exports
However, after investing £2.1bn in capital projects between 2018 and 2022 and that 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.
Without government support, these challenges along with rapidly increasing competition from premium spirits in global markets, puts future investment, growth and jobs at risk.
Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the SWA, said, “The Scotch Whisky industry has once again proven its economic significance to the UK domestically and on the world stage, and these figures highlight the importance of backing a key sector for productivity, exports and employment.
“The past five years have been turbulent for our sector, as we faced retaliatory tariffs in the United States, in addition to the global pandemic and the knock-on economic pressures. The Scotch Whisky industry has remained resilient, with capital investment directed towards fulfilling our collective sustainability ambitions, creating world-class visitor attractions, and building more distilleries that will help boost jobs and growth.
“Ahead of the UK Spring Budget on 6 March and this year’s General Election, it is vital that the industry is supported by government so that businesses can continue to invest in the UK economy.”