SWA
Scotch whisky is the fourth highest duty ratepayer in the EU. Credit: Michael Mroczek on Unsplash.

Scotch whisky’s contribution to the UK economy has increased by 10% since 2016 to £5.5bn, says the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

The figures were part of a report that was based on work carried out by the Centre for Economic and Business Research (CEBR). It suggests that Scotland’s national drink generates two-thirds of all UK spirits’ gross value added (GVA).

SWA chief executive Karen Betts said: “This research shows the huge contribution that our industry plays to both the Scottish and UK economies.

“This research shows the huge contribution that our industry plays to both the Scottish and UK economies.”

“Significantly, the research shows that our industry’s GVA increased by 10% to £5.5bn between 2016 and 2018, as a result of Scotch Whisky companies’ continued export success and the industry’s consistent investment, over £500m in the last 5 years, in production, distribution, marketing and tourism.”

Furthermore, the Scotch whisky industry is said to have maintained its success rate despite being the fourth highest duty ratepayer in the EU.

Betts further added: “This report also highlights the high rate of domestic tax that Scotch Whisky faces in the UK. In the US, Scotch and other whiskies are taxed at just 27% of the rate that HM Treasury taxes us here at home.

“We will continue to press the Chancellor for fairer treatment of Scotch Whisky in our domestic market, which reflects the vital economic contribution the thousands of people who work in whisky make to the UK economy every day.”