France: More scotch whisky sold in a month, than cognac in a year

According to the Scotch Whisky Association more than 5 bottles of scotch are shipped to France every second.

The SWA said a 12% rise in exports in 2009 confirmed France as scotch whisky’s largest market by volume, with the equivalent of 179m bottles shipped. More scotch whisky is therefore sold in one month in France than cognac in a year. The Association said that scotch also outsells traditional anise-based drinks and accounts for over a third of the total French spirits market.

2009 industry figures revealed that the value of exports to France has more than doubled to £407m over the last decade, with scotch whisky accounting for around a quarter of all Scottish exports to the market.

Gavin Hewitt, chief executive of the SWA, said: “Scotch whisky’s continued success in France is a Scottish export success story, with French consumers appreciating the authenticity, flavour and heritage of our brands. Last year was a record one for scotch whisky distillers in what has become our largest market by volume.

“Our visit to Paris is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the scotch whisky regulations across the European drinks trade. This important new law helps us to grow consumer knowledge by putting in place clear and consistent scotch whisky labelling rules.”