Celebrating Scotch - a global success story
06 Dec 2017
Industry gathers in Scotland Office, London
The Scotch Whisky industry celebrated its position as the UK's
leading food and drink export at a reception in the Scotland Office
in London last night.
MPs, members of the industry and media were among those who
gathered at Dover House in Whitehall, hosted by Rt Hon David
Mundell MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, and the Scotch Whisky
Association (SWA).
Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: "It was a pleasure to
welcome the Scotch whisky industry to Dover House. The UK
Government is committed to supporting the industry, and I was
pleased we were able to freeze spirit duty in the Budget. Whisky is
a huge part of Scotland's economy, and I am confident that the
industry will make the most of Brexit, and continue to go from
strength to strength."
Also speaking on the evening, Peter Gordon of Wm Grant &
Sons and SWA incoming chairman, said: "As always, we are grateful
to the Secretary of State for Scotland for hosting our Scotch
Whisky gathering in the magnificent Dover House.
"The history of William Grant and his business has been immersed
in the Scotch Whisky industry. Scotland is home to an
industry which now exports to more than 180 countries around the
world. It is a product renowned for its history and its quality,
and is an industry that creates jobs and support communities all
across Scotland. I am proud to be part of this success and I'm
looking forward to playing my part as chairman of the SWA."
Peter Gordon is replacing Pierre Pringuet of Pernod Ricard as
SWA chair. He steps down after holding the position for three
years.
SWA chief executive Karen Betts thanked the UK Government for
its support of the industry.
Betts said: "I'd like to thank the Scottish Secretary for
hosting us this evening for our annual celebration of Scotch
Whisky, recognising the industry's importance to the entire UK
economy. And thanks to him and his team for the duty freeze last
month which was welcomed by the industry.
"When I joined the Association in May, as only the eighth chief
executive in its 105 year history, I took on one of the most
exciting and interesting jobs I could hope for, and a fascinating
challenge.
"The key challenge for us now is to take our exporting strength
and use it to ensure the industry continues to grow through Brexit
and beyond, and continues to support thousands of jobs and millions
of pounds of investment. We should also take advantage of
opportunities along the way."
Ends
Notes to editors
SWA media contact: Rosemary Gallagher, head of communications,
0131 222 9230/07432 605385 or email rgallagher@swa.org.uk