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Scotland's drinks industry
18/02/2008
Enterprise Minister Jim Mather today met representatives of the alcohol industry to identify how the Government and industry can work together to achieve sustainable economic growth.
Alcohol is already Scotland's top export, accounting for around 16 per cent of exports in 2006, worth around £3.3 billion to the economy - a billion bottles of whisky a year are exported. One in 50 jobs in Scotland relies on Scotch whisky.
Today's meeting is part of the Enterprise Minister's ongoing engagement with many different industry sectors. Similar meetings have been held with, for instance, third sector, energy, tourism, textile and life science industries.
Jim Mather said:
"This was further, positive engagement with industry to turn sustainable economic growth into a reality. This Government is here to listen and to work to help the industry achieve their goals, by delivering the appropriate policy and removing inhibitors where we can.
"The alcohol industry is a prime example of where Scotland has a comparative advantage where we need to protect and enhance Scotland's strengths, through taking a high quality product to domestic and international markets, attracting tourists and exploring new opportunities. It is crucial we work together to succeed.
"It's clear from today's meeting that the alcohol industry is already embedded with the aims, ambitions and values of Scotland's people and can work ever more closely with Government to increase sustainable economic growth."
Gavin Hewitt, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association said:
"We work closely with the Scottish Government on issues ranging from tackling alcohol misuse to international promotion. Building on that, a key theme today was the importance of joined up thinking in relation to the drinks sector
"A national food policy is being developed yet there is currently not equivalent strategy to promote the much larger alcoholic drinks sector, an industry vital to our economy. Today was a good opportunity to consider what more can be done and we welcomed the Minister's support."
Edwin Atkinson of the Gin and Vodka Association said:
"The industry welcomes the chance to speak directly to the Minister. We are always looking ahead at ways of maintaining our reputation of high quality, premium products throughout the world, and today was a step to making sure we are all focussed on ways to achieve that."
Charlotte Elmer of Scottish and Newcastle said:
"We are pleased at the recognition the Scottish Government places on the economic importance of the beer and pub industry to Scotland."