Scotch exports worth £1.5bn

Exports of Scotch whisky grew at their highest rate for a decade in the first half of the year, the Scotch Whisky Association said yesterday, with status-conscious drinkers in emerging markets providing a major boost.

Global shipments jumped 17 per cent to £1.47bn in the first six months of the year, compared with a year ago. About 477 million bottles were exported, which was up 3 per cent on a year ago.

South Korea bought 69 per cent more Scotch, while there was 66 per cent growth in China and 44 per cent in South Africa. But drinkers from developed countries still brought the most value, with exports to the US, theNo 1 market, rising 34 per cent year on year to £234m.

Scotch accounts for up to a quarter of the value of all food and drink exports from the UK and for more than 80 per cent of those from Scotland.