Scotch exports hit new high
Scotch whisky producers achieved record exports in 2009 despite the global recession.
Figures released by the Scotch Whisky Association show a 3% rise in the value of exports to £3.1 billion.
Volumes were up 4% with the equivalent of 1.1 billion bottles of Scotch shipped.
The US remains the top export market by value with sales of £418.8 million, 13% up on 2008.
Exports to second-placed France also rose 13% to £406.7 million.
Venezuela saw a 73% leap in sales to become the sixth biggest export market for Scotch, leaping over South Korea, Germany and Taiwan.
Brazil also saw big increase, with a 55% rise in sales.
Asia was the worst performing region, down 9%, with sales to South Korea falling 24%.
SWA chairman Paul Walsh said: "Scotch whisky distillers have delivered record exports in the face of a global economic downturn.
"It is an impressive performance, underscoring the importance of Scotch whisky to the UK economy."
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