DISCUS Touts U.S. Spirits’ 2011 Export Surge

American whiskey exports drove a surge in international shipments of U.S.-made spirits in 2011, according to DISCUS. Total spirits exports hit a record $1.34 billion on a 16.5% jump last year, with American whiskey—which accounts for 69% of the total—rising 13.6%. DISCUS says an ongoing trend toward more open international markets—exemplified by the recent U.S.-Korea free trade agreement that removed a 20% tariff on Bourbon and Tennessee whiskey—is contributing to export growth.

Meanwhile, DISCUS reported that U.S. spirits market volume came in up 2.7% to 195.8 million nine-liter cases last year, with sales up 4% to $19.9 billion (resulting in an added three-tenths of a point of total beverage alcohol share, to 33.6%, versus 2010).

Tagged : Bourbon, spirits, whiskey

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