Global Scotch sales: Slight decline with £5.4bn exported in 2024

Figures from the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) reveals that the total global export value for Scotch whisky stood at £5.4bn for 2024. This represents a slight decline of 3.7% in exports by value compared to 2023.

Friday read: Koshu brings flavour of Japan to London

This year’s Koshu of Japan (KOJ) tasting at Japan House, which brought together some 100 or more trade and press for a tasting of the nine collaborating wineries last week, marked a further advance of these wines’ delicate footprint in the UK market.

Japanese sake exports grow by 6% globally

Sake exports grew by +6% year on year for 2024 compared to the year prior, with the export value reaching 43.5bn yen (approximately £230mn) with 3.45mn cases of the rice wine reaching a record 80 countries and regions.

Dip in Austrian exports expected after record 2023

The export curve of Austrian wine suffered a blip in 2024. After particularly strong growth in 2023, total export value for the first three quarters of 2024 sank 5.1%, while the export volume remained almost steady.

Washington Wine presents new strategy, with UK a key market

The Washington State Wine Commission landed in London on 24 April, signalling its alignment with several WA partners, revealing a new and more holistic strategy in promoting its wines.

Friday read: The other Caucasus contender

Armenia has a thriving wine industry, as Jacopo Mazzeo discovers, but faces an uphill battle to establish itself on the world stage.

Rathfinny consolidates Asia Pacific foothold

Rathfinny Estate has announced a new partnership with leading Japanese importer Vin Passion, extending the producer’s reach in the Asia-Pacific region.

Italy’s hot topics

LWF exclusive: Ukrainian producers to set up import and distribution operation in UK

Wines of Ukraine is planning to launch its own import and distribution company in the UK, to help facilitate and grow exports to what its members see as a crucial market for boosting the profile of the country internationally.

Nova Scotia targets UK market

Wines of Nova Scotia landed in London late last week, with its first ever solo tasting aimed at the UK trade.

China to fast evolve beyond ‘safe’ Bordeaux blends

China’s burgeoning wine industry is set for its next phase of evolution, with dozens of ‘new’ varieties in the offing, according to Christelle Chene, international affairs director at Xige Estate.

Bulk rides high as global trade in wine grows

The global trade in wine continues to grow year-on-year, with bulk comprising an ever more important slice of that market, with the value of wines shipped in bulk rising, as more premium bulk gains share.

Nyetimber predicts record-breaking UK sparkling crop in 2022

Sparkling wine brand Nyetimber is poised to harvest a record area of vines – 325 hectares – to produce well over one million bottles of fizz from vintage 2022.

Friday read: Why whisky is bouncing back from the pandemic

Alan Hamilton, director of corporate finance at Johnston Carmichael, explains why whisky’s fortunes are on the rise in the global stage.

Powering up Pinot Grigio

With a new export drive underway to key markets including the UK, the DOC delle Venezie Consorzio is looking to put a premium bounce in the step of its Pinot Grigio, setting itself above the run-of-the-mill.

UK removes ‘retaliatory’ tariffs on American whiskeys

The Bourbon Alliance and its members have welcomed the announcement of a resolution to a trade dispute, which resulted in destructive tariffs on American Whiskeys. 

Georgia tasting to crown fast growth in UK

Wines of Georgia has confirmed dates for its 2022 press tastings against a backdrop of booming sales in the UK.

Portugal tasting returns to London, riding exports rise

After a two year hiatus due to Covid-19, Wines of Portugal is pulling out all the stops, showcasing over 600 wines and 10 different regions at the annual trade tasting next week.

Bulk wine goes with the tide

Bulk wine has been on a major journey over the past two years. Thanks to accelerated favourable perceptions around sustainability, an updated mindset seems to be in evidence in global markets as the acceptability of container shipping shores up the belief that ‘bulk’ is the way to save on both environmental and commercial costs.

NZ’s finest feels the squeeze

A distinctly herbaceous flavour profile and pro-sustainability winemaking have boosted New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to the status of global phenomenon. Jo Gilbert looks at where the shortages go from here.