Budget talks continue over whisky and oil taxes ahead of spending announcement
Chancellor Philip Hammond was last night continuing behind-the-scenes talks over the future of whisky and oil taxes in advance of his Budget on Monday.
scotch whisky
New evidence shows how tax hikes hit whisky production
New research has shown that whisky production levels reduce when taxes are hiked up by the government.
Study suggests UK will struggle to protect vital sectors and reach trade deal with US
UK ministers will have “difficulty” balancing vital protections for Scotch whisky and Stornoway black pudding with securing new trade deal with the US, it has been claimed.
Theresa May recognises ‘iconic importance’ of Scotch whisky amid Brexit fears
Prime Minister Theresa May has spoken of the “iconic importance” of Scotch whisky as she vowed to fight to safeguard vital protections for the sector.
Future of Scotch whisky and Stornoway black pudding an ‘obstacle’ to Brexit deal
A failure to agree on the future of special protections for famous goods such as Scotch whisky and Stornoway black pudding could be holding up the UK’s Brexit deal.
Fresh call to protect status of Scotch whisky and Stornoway black pudding
New Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab was under fresh pressure last night to guarantee special protections for Scotch whisky after the UK quits the EU.
Nicola Sturgeon concerned Scotch whisky could be caught in firing line of trade war
Nicola Sturgeon has vowed to “very closely” monitor a trade row between the EU and US amid concerns it could hit the Scotch whisky sector.
Scottish Government want seat at whisky trade talks with US after Brexit
The Scottish Government will demand to be involved at “all stages” of post-Brexit trade talks with the US to ensure the £922 million whisky market is protected.
Scotch whisky Brexit transition agreement is poised to be approved
Priorities have been set out for the Scotch whisky sector as the Brexit transition agreement is poised to be approved by EU leaders.
New Zealand grants Scotch status
Scotland’s national drink has secured enhanced legal protection in New Zealand after the Scotch Whisky Association’s application to register it as a Geographical Indication (GI) was successful.
Nicola Sturgeon warns of Brexit impact on Scotch whisky exports
Nicola Sturgeon has warned that Brexit will lead to a “completely unnecessary” five-fold increase in red tape for the whisky sector
Chancellor called on to ‘drop the dram duty’
Scotch Whisky sales in the UK have fallen by 1million bottles after Chancellor Philip Hammond hiked spirits tax in his March Budget.
Diageo says visitors are pouring into its distillery visitor centres
Scotland’s proud whisky heritage has attracted a record number of people through the doors of Diageo’s distilleries around the country.
Diageo boosted by stronger whisky sales everywhere except Asia
Whisky-maker Diageo hailed a better performance in the US as it posted much-improved first half trading figures.
Record profits for Glenfiddich distillers William Grant and Sons
Independent, family-run distiller William Grant and Sons has announced a 6.7% rise in pre-tax profits to a record £177.2 million, helped by strong sales of Glenfiddich single malt whisky.
World’s thirst for whisky gathers pace
Scotch whisky-makers enjoyed a partial recovery in their export sales during the first half of 2016, new industry figures show.
New figures show thriving market for rare Scotch
The value of rare Scotch whisky changing hands in a fast-growing niche investment market has soared to a half-year record, new figures show.
Whisky-maker Pernod suffers Chinese sales slump
Drink giant Pernod Ricard is restructuring its Chinese operation after a double-digit percentage slump in Scotch whisky sales in the country.
Diageo on track to deliver growth plans
Global alcoholic drinks giant Diageo reported net sales growth and said it is on course to deliver its 2017 growth plans as it published its full-year results yesterday.
It’s official – Caithness whisky is named ‘World’s Best Single Malt’
A Caithness whisky has been named the ‘World’s Best Single Malt’.
Hospitality industry joins calls for whisky tax reduction
The hospitality industry has added its voice to calls from whisky chiefs for a cut to Scotch excise duties in next month’s Budget.
Scotch whisky sales and Rugby World Cup lift Diageo profits
A surge in Scotch whisky sales in Great Britain over Christmas played a part in driving Diageo onto an 8.7% increase in interim profits, the world’s largest spirits maker said yesterday.
Export trade slumps as fewer buy Scotch whisky
A dip in Scotch whisky sales abroad contributed to a 3.2% slump in Scotland’s international export figures for 2014, new figures show.
David Beckham among the stars for whisky celebration in Shanghai
David Beckham used the prestigious surroundings of a pop-up event venue in Shanghai to drum up Chinese interest in Scotch whisky.
Most Scots say current whisky tax regime is unfair
Most Scots think the amount of tax paid on a bottle of Scotch whisky is too high, a new poll showed.
Almost £1billion of Scottish food and drink exports could be at risk from Brexit
The SNP has warned that Scottish exports worth £733 million could be put at risk is Britain leaves the EU.
Craft whisky firms join call for tax cuts
Craft distillers have warned that UK booze taxes are stifling growth as they join a campaign to cut duty on alcohol.
Whisky giant buys stake in celebrity tequila brand
The owner of the Glenlivet and Chivas Regal whisky brands has bought a £58million stake in one of the world's top new tequila brands.
Top whisky boss to step down
The managing director of renowned single malt whisky specialists Gordon and MacPhail is to step down, the Press and Journal can reveal.
Pipeline raises hopes of gas supply to Moray homes
Hopes have been raised that homes and businesses in Moray could soon have access to mains gas after whisky-producers built a new £7.6million pipeline.
Call for extra overseas support for oil and whisky
Specialists in the oil and whisky sectors should be recruited for the UK's overseas trade missions in a drive to boost Scottish exports, according to a new report.