Scotch Whisky Association goes to Brazil
A 56% increase in exports confirmed Scotch whisky’s growing popularity in Brazil in 2009, according to new figures published by the UK-based Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).
With over 41 million bottles shipped to the country, Scotch whisky enjoyed a record year in Brazil, consolidating its position as the industry’s seventh largest export market. As the market expanded, an extra 14.8 million bottles of scotch whisky were exported to Brazil compared to 2008. Brazil now accounts for nearly 4% of global exports of Scotch whisky.
Building on this growth, SWA officials will visit São Paulo this week to promote new rules that govern every aspect of the making, packaging and advertising of Scotch whisky.
The new law protects the authenticity of Scotch whisky from copycat products and ensures consumers always receive clear information on labels about what they are buying.
A reception to celebrate Scotch whisky, and promote the new rules in Brazil, will be hosted by John Doddrell, the British consul general, on Tuesday evening (11 May).
Gavin Hewitt, chief executive of the SWA said: “We are delighted to visit Brazil, which is fast emerging as one of Scotch whisky’s most dynamic and important export markets. Growth of 56% last year demonstrated that more and more Brazilian consumers are choosing to enjoy Scotch whisky, a product of the highest quality and authenticity.
“Our visit to São Paulo is also to raise awareness of Scotch whisky in South America. A new law passed last year helps us to protect consumers from fakes that unfairly try to pass themselves off as Scotch whisky when they are not. New rules will also guarantee clear and consistent labelling so that Brazilian consumers always know exactly what they are buying.”