Covid costs Scotch whisky exports £1.1 billion in lost sales

Global exports of Scotch whisky fell by more than £1.1bn during 2020, according to figures released today by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA). The export figures are the lowest they have been in a decade, as the combined impact of Covid-19 and the 25% tariff in the United States hit distillers hard. In 2020, the…

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Seven South African wines you need to try

Peter Ranscombe revisits some of his recent favourites from South Africa as the country’s alcohol ban shifts direction once more. YESTERDAY’S news that the South African government has lifted parts of its alcohol sales ban will provide some relief for wine producers. Yet – as winemaker Bruce Jack warned in a recent article for The…

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Scotch whisky industry losses hit half a billion pounds

The losses suffered by the Scotch whisky industry as a result of tariffs on exports to the United States have reached half a billion pounds – a situation the industry warns is unsustainable.   A 25% tariff was imposed on Single Malt Scotch Whisky in October 2019 and since then exports of Scotch Whisky to the…

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Armchair exploring: Supporting South African wines

As South Africa lifts its ban on wine exports – again – Peter Ranscombe picks bottles to kick-start some armchair exploring. FEW countries have had such an intense rollercoaster ride through the lockdown as South Africa. First wine exports were banned. Then they were allowed again. Then they were banned again. Last week’s news that exports…

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Sauvignon blanc: New Zealand and beyond

To mark international sauvignon blanc day, Peter Ranscombe goes on a mission to find exciting examples from New Zealand and beyond. FEW grapes split that audience like sauvignon blanc. For some, it’s the very epitome of freshness, with crisp acidity balanced by either savoury asparagus or tropical guava. For others, it’s over acidic, over hyped, and…

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Scotch whisky industry seeks business support clarity

The Scotch Whisky Association has welcomed the unprecedented government support to business announced last week. The announcement, as a result of the disruption being caused across the economy by COVID-19, offers significant reassurance to Scotch whisky businesses. However, the industry is also seeking urgent assurances from Ministers on aspects of the support package, including whether…

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Scots singer ready to host new music event

The Spirit of Song is a brand new event hosted by Scottish singer-songwriter Kerri Watt. Born out of Kerri’s appreciation for two of Scotland’s biggest exports – whisky and music – this will be an intimate night filled with acoustic music by Scottish artists. This one off intimate acoustic show will take place at the…

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Call for early removal of all tariffs on whiskies

America’s 25% tariffs imposed on EU goods, including single malt Scotch whisky, is to stay in place. The Scotch Whisky Association has now urged the UK and US Governments to hold talks, to try to resolve the dispute. The tariffs on a variety of produced was imposed on 18 October on EU goods, which also…

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Whisky exports surge despite backdrop of uncertainty

The Scotch Whisky Association has revealed industry export figures for 2019, showing worldwide growth. The figures, compiled from HRMC export data, show that the export value of global Scotch whisky exports grew by 4.4% to £4.91bn, an increase of £208m compared with 2018, with growth in more than 106 of its global markets. The number…

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Arbikie Distillery celebrates major US export deal

Family-owned luxury spirits producer Arbikie celebrated its fifth birthday by signing an agreement that will see its brands exported to selected states in the United States. The Angus-based sustainable, field-to-bottle distiller has agreed a substantial distribution deal with a leading US importer. The distiller, which launched in 2014 with Scotland’s first potato vodka, distils vodka,…

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