Scotch exports hit new high

The increase in value was achieved against a fall in volumes as overseas consumers switched to more expensive brands.

The volume figure of 1.1billion bottles represented a drop of 5%, but was still the second best annual figure recorded.

The Scotch Whisky Association said the figures showed the industry to be "recession-resilient but not recession-immune".

Chairman Paul Walsh said: "I am convinced that the major investments made by distillers will stand us in good stead for the return to better economic times.

"Whisky will play a leading role in exporting the economy out of recession."

Biggest gains in export value among the top 10 markets for Scotch were France, up 22%, and Singapore, ahead by 17%.

Venezuela was the biggest faller, down 36%.

The US remains the biggest export market by value, with sales of £371.4 million, a fall of 11% on 2007.

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