Global spirits producers and organisations have collaborated in Geneva to create an international trade association called the World Spirits Alliance (WSA).

WSA will focus on representing the views and interests of the spirits sector at a global level.

The alliance comprises companies that manufacture products such as Chinese Baiju, Mexican Tequila, Brazilian Cachaça, Indian IMFL, Cognac, and internationally traded whiskies including Scotch Whisky, Irish Whiskey and American Bourbon.

WSA secretary general Marie Audren said: “Many of us have been working together for nearly two decades, hence setting up a formal trade association to act as a united global voice on the integrity and social responsibility of our spirits industry is a natural and important step forward.

“Distilled spirits are a vibrant and highly dynamic sector with a unique diversity of products and producers across the world.”

Additionally, WSA and its members will focus on issues such as the elimination of tariffs and non-tariff barriers, as well as discriminatory taxes and fair, transparent and evidence-based regulation.

They will continue to pursue proportionate evidence-based public health measures for distilled spirits and ambitious strategies to combat illicit alcohol.

The alliance will serve as the representative partner before international organisations, such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations (UN).

WSA president Rodolfo González González said: “The aims of the WSA are to create a common platform for exchange and have a representative body that will allow us to comment on issues of global relevance, particularly in the areas of trade and regulatory policy, and help develop a positive environment for the sustainable success of the sector.”