The Sector Provides 66,000 Jobs and Continues to Grow Despite Challenges

The Scotch whisky industry generated £7.1 billion for the UK economy in 2022, demonstrating its ongoing importance, according to a new report.

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), which represents the sector, highlighted that the industry’s gross value added (GVA) had grown by 29% since 2018. Of this, Scotland benefited most, with the industry contributing £5.3 billion to the country’s economy, representing around 3% of Scotland’s total GVA.

Scotch whisky accounted for 77% of Scotland’s food and drink exports, and 26% of the UK’s overall food and drink exports. Mark Kent, CEO of the SWA, pointed out that despite facing challenges such as the US tariffs and the global pandemic, the sector remains resilient. He said, “The past five years have been turbulent for our sector, but we’ve remained strong, with investments focused on sustainability, visitor attractions, and new distilleries to boost growth and employment.”

Kent also stressed the importance of continued government support, especially ahead of the upcoming UK spring budget and general election.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack praised the Scotch whisky industry’s significance, calling it the UK’s most valuable food and drink export. He highlighted the government’s efforts to support the sector through tax cuts and the removal of tariffs in the US market.

The Scotch whisky industry supports 66,000 jobs across the UK, with 41,000 of these based in Scotland. Over the past decade, 24,000 jobs have been added, according to the report.

Neil Gray, Scotland’s Wellbeing Economy Secretary, referred to Scotch whisky as a “world-renowned brand” and noted its contribution to job creation, investment, and tourism. He reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to working with the whisky sector to drive further growth.