Alcoholism

Annual Review 2011

Contents

Chairman’s Report Chief Executive’s Report Protection of Scotch Whisky The Operational Environment Measuring the Industry’s Environmental Impacts Alcohol & Society Government & Consumer Affairs International Trade: Americas International Trade: Asia International Trade: India International Trade: Russia EU: Barriers to Trade EU: Regulatory Affairs Turkey 2011 Export Statistics 1 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 19 20 22 23 24

www.scotch-whisky.org.uk

Chairman’s Report

The Scotch Whisky industry is in excellent health and I was honoured to take on the role of Chairman of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) at the beginning of 2012.

I would like to thank Paul Walsh, my predecessor, for his leadership and for handing over the chairmanship to me at a time of unprecedented international success for the industry. Paul’s dedication to the work of the Association shows the importance of Scotch Whisky to all member companies across the industry. The industry’s success is, of course, underpinned by the valuable support of the SWA, from breaking down trade barriers to campaigning on government policies and protecting Scotch Whisky from fakes around the world. As you will read later in the Annual Report, exports of Scotch Whisky continue to grow as mature markets expand and demand increases from newer markets, such as South America and Asia. However the industry must remain focused on challenges to future growth as economic uncertainty continues to stalk the global economy and alcohol and health concerns move up the political agenda at home and overseas. Scotch Whisky is an iconic product and is a prime asset for Scotland and the UK on the international stage. It is one of the few Scottish exports found in every corner of the globe. The SWA will continue to fight for fairer taxation and removal of restrictions on trade from addressing tax discrimination in Brazil to tackling excessive regulatory burdens in Russia - to allow its success to...