The growing global taste for Scotch sees exports hit a record

The rest of the world seems to be taking note, judging by new figures from the Scotch Whisky Association which show Scotch Whisky exports hit a record £4.3bn in 2012.

Rising demand from both mature and emerging markets boosted the value of exports for the eighth consecutive year.

The industry group said Scotch Whisky “leads the way” for British food and drink in overseas markets and forms about 80 per cent of Scottish food and drink exports and a quarter of UK food and drink exports. It is now worth £135 a second to the UK balance of trade, said Gavin Hewitt, chief executive.

Falling sales in Southern Europe were more than matched by growing exports elsewhere. Demand grew for Single Malt and premium Blended Scotch Whisky. The USA remains the top market by value for Scotch Whisky with exports breaking through the £700m barrier for the first time to reach £758m in 2012.

Demand from the USA is expected to increase as consumer confidence grows.

The growth of Scotch Whisky exports in Russia, a market worth in the region of £200m, boosted shipments to Latvia and Estonia. Direct exports to Latvia were up 48 per cent to £79m and to Estonia they were up 28 per cent to £69m.

Asia continues to grow in importance with exports to the distribution hub of Singapore up 7 per cent to £339m. Exports to Taiwan increased 7 per cent to £165m and direct shipments to China experienced growth of 8 per cent to £72m. In South America, Scotch Whisky is one of the UK’s fastest-growing exports.

“We are contributing massively to the government’s wish for an export-led recovery,” said Mr Hewitt.