Fraser welcomes whisky figures and UK Government action

Figures published by the Scotch Whisky Association today have confirmed the value of whisky exports from Scotland had increased by 10% in 2010.

Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said:

"This is indeed very welcome news but before the SNP pat themselves on the back too much, let's remember that their plans for indiscriminate blanket minimum pricing would have greatly harmed the Scotch Whisky industry.

"According to the Scotch Whisky Association, a minimum price scheme will raise the average price of a 70cl bottle of blended spirit by 87p. Most damagingly however, it will also send completely the wrong message to the rest of the world and weaken Scotch Whisky as an export.

"The UK Government also recently handed the Scotch Whisky industry a major boost by signing an agreement with Chinese officials which means Scotch Whisky on sale in China can only be sold according to UK rules. It could increase sales by tens of millions of pounds a year. These positive steps stand in stark contrast with the SNP Government's plans for indiscriminate blanket minimum pricing of alcohol, which would damage the industry. Conservatives will continue to promote and protect Scotch Whisky as an iconic brand all over the world."

Under the agreement in November 2010, Scotch whisky will be granted geographical indication of origin status, giving consumers greater clarification that the product bought is genuine.

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) first applied to the Chinese government for geographical indication of origin status in 2007.

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