Scotch whisky exports increase after three years

The amount of Scotch whisky sold overseas has increased for the first time since 2013, the latest industry figures revealed.

Scotland shipped the equivalent of 533 million bottles in the first six months of 2016, but industry bosses warned that exporters may face "challenges" caused by uncertainties from Brexit.

According to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), the 3.1 per cent increase represented the first return to growth for three years.

However, data also revealed a small fall in the value of exports.

Sales of whisky around the globe hit £1.7 billion between January and June, down by 1 per cent on the same period in 2015.

While France and the USA remained the biggest markets, the figures showed a surge in exports to India.

According to SWA chief executive David Frost, the figures suggested there had been a "strengthening in global consumer demand".

However, Frost also highlighted "continued international uncertainty" as he called on the UK government to ensure a supportive tax and regulatory regime.

Frost said, "The first half of 2016 was marked by an improving Scotch whisky export performance, suggesting a strengthening in global consumer demand compared to the last couple of years, BBC reported.

According to the SWA, the fall in the pound since the Brexit vote was likely to have a positive effect for the rest of 2016, though leaving the EU would also present challenges for exporters.

France and the US make up the biggest export markets of the drink by volume but India, in third place, reported a 41-per cent surge in demand.

This comes despite a 150-per cent basic customs duty.

The SWA urged the government to prioritise talks with India in a bid to unlock the full potential of the market, as the UK sought post-Brexit trade opportunities.

SWA chief executive David Frost said the export figures showed "strengthening in global consumer demand compared to the last couple of years", Sky News reported.