Scotch Whisky Exports Slip In First Half, Lapping Strong Gains Last Year

After a booming 2022, Scotch whisky exports to the U.S. market declined in the first half of 2023, falling 5% to £437 million ($557m) and 15% to the equivalent of 59 million 700-ml. bottles. In full-year 2022, Scotch shipments to the U.S. rose 33% to £1.05 billion ($1.3b), as volume increased 9% to 137 million 700-ml. bottles.

Globally, Scotch exports registered £2.57 billion ($3.3b) in the first half, down 3.6% year-on-year. Volume fell by 20% to the equivalent of 630 million 700-ml bottles. The Scotch Whisky Association said the performance was relatively resilient considering tough comps against the prior year.

“Around the world, we continue to see the same trend—consumers drinking less overall and switching to higher quality spirits like Scotch whisky,” said Scotch Whisky Association CEO Matt Kent. “Premiumization in the spirits category didn’t start during Covid-19, but the pandemic certainly accelerated the trend, and it remains the case that consumers are trading up, enjoying premium spirits, and consuming fewer units of alcohol. Scotch Whisky remains well placed to benefit from this shift.”—Daniel Marsteller

Tagged : Scotch Whisky Association

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