The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has reported a significant rise in the size and volume of global Scotch whisky exports last year.

As per data collected by the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), global sales of  Scotch has grown in volume by 1.6% and value by 8.9%. Worth £4.36bn, this totals around 1.23bn bottles exported, which accounted for more than 20% of all UK food and drink exports.

Single Malt Scotch Whisky also saw growth, rising 14.2% to £1.17bn in 2017.

“With more than 30% of our trade with the EU, it is vital that the UK Government secures transition that allows frictionless trade to continue to with European markets.”

SWA CEO Karen Betts said: “These encouraging figures show how popular Scotch Whisky is right around the world.

“Already a strong export that is loved for its sophistication, diversity and provenance, it’s great to see Scotch continuing to grow in established and new markets.

“With more than 40,000 jobs supported by the Scotch Whisky industry across the UK, 7,000 of which are in rural areas in Scotland, it is crucial that we continue to support both the new wave of whisky entrepreneurs and established distillers who are taking Scotch to the world.”

In total, Scotch exports to the EU were reported to make up 31% of total shipments last year, followed by North America at 26% and Asia / Oceania at 22%.

Betts further stated: “With more than 30% of our trade with the EU, it is vital that the UK Government secures transition that allows frictionless trade to continue to with European markets and with those countries with which the EU has free trade agreements.”