Moray MP hails whisky industry 'resilience' as Scotch exports hit £5.6bn
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Moray MP Douglas Ross has hailed the “strength and resilience” of the Scotch whisky industry after new figures show the value of its exports hit £5.6 billion in 2023.
He said that the whisky industry continues to rise to the challenges facing them and “pull out all the stops” to ensure that world-class whisky products are enjoyed around the world.
While the value of the exports dropped on 2022 – the year world markets opened up again after the pandemic – they have risen by 14 per cent in value compared to 2019.
The value of export sales to China are up 165 per cent on 2019, while there has been a 19 per cent rise to those exported to Singapore.
Mr Ross stated that it is always “fantastic” to see the scale of how whisky is enjoyed in so many different countries and to know products made in the heart of Moray are being enjoyed thousands of miles away.
The Moray MP added that he will continue to lobby Chancellor Jeremy Hunt for support for the whisky industry in next month’s budget, after meeting with him recently, to ensure next year’s export figures can be even greater in value.
Mr Ross said: “I am proud to represent the constituency which is home to the most Scotch whisky distilleries anywhere in the country.
“It is so crucial for the local economy and jobs in Moray, as we help to produce whisky which is exported right around the world.
“These export figures show the strength and resilience of the whisky industry as they continue to deal with a tough economic backdrop. They have continued to pull out all the stops to ensure world class products are enjoyed around the world.
“It is always fantastic to see which export markets are growing and getting an insight into where Moray-made products are being enjoyed across the world.
“The industry should be raising a dram to themselves on these results, but I know they will be determined to deliver an even greater value of exports next year.
“To do that, they will also need help from government which is why ahead of next month’s budget, I will continue to lobby the Chancellor for further support for the industry to help those in Moray and across the country flourish going forward.”
Moray’s SNP MSP Richard Lochhead also welcomed the latest figures.
He continued: “Against a challenging economic backdrop of rising costs for both consumers and businesses, the Scotch whisky industry has once again shown to be incredibly resilient and a global success story.
“Scotch whisky continues to be an iconic global brand and the industry contributes hugely to the economy, supporting one in nine jobs here in Moray. The investment we’ve seen in Speyside in recent years has been significant and is a vote of confidence in the future of the industry.”
