Global shipments between January and June reached £1.8 billion. The US remains the top export market with shipments up 14% to £268 million. France is second with £219.5m, up 13%.

Shipments to Central and South America jumped 49% on the same period in 2010, reaching £214.4m. Exports to Asia rose 33% to £422.5m.

The SWA reports that Taiwan is now a top five market for scotch with shipments achieving £70m. Brazil recorded a 56% increase to £44.8m.

The volume grew in line with value.  The equivalent of approximately 569 million bottles was exported, an increase of 19%.

SWA chief executive Gavin Hewitt said: "While traditional export markets remain important, we are making excellent headway in other regions. Consumer confidence is strong. Recent breakthroughs in trade relations will help further growth.

“A free trade agreement with South Korea and better legal protection for scotch whisky in India and Turkey give optimism for growth.

India and Turkey are now among the countries which recognise scotch as a product that can only be made in Scotland,” said Hewitt.