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The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scotch whisky industry sailing through choppy waters
The Trump tariffs landed as distillers were dealing with an almighty hangover from a post-Covid boom. Demand for premium Scotch whisky cooled as economic conditions deteriorated in key markets such as China, the US and Latin America, leaving importers with surpluses of stock to work through. Geopolitical turbulence, with Russia continuing its assault on Ukraine, attacks on shipping in the Mediterranean, and conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, has done nothing for consumers' thirst for the water of life either. The impact of these challenges has been writ large in recent results from major industry players. In June, Bruichladdich owner Remy Cointreau cited the volatile global economic and geopolitical backdrop as it scrapped a key long-term target, highlighting the effects of tariffs both in US and anti-dumping duties in China, a major market for the company's Cognac exports. That came shortly after Johnnie Walker Diageo warned in May that US tariffs may hit its profits by $150 million a year. Pernod Ricard, owner of Dumbarton-based Chivas Brothers, cited the fall-out from US tariffs in April as sales fell short of forecasts in the third quarter. Given this background, it was no surprise that Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) was blunt in its assessment when asked to comment on the trading outlook by The Herald Business HQ Monthly, with the industry body also highlighting the impact on distillers from the high cost of production. Read more: 'What we're seeing right now is a once-in-a-generation set of challenges facing the Scotch whisky industry,' a spokesperson for the SWA said. 'Businesses of all sizes, but particularly SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), are operating under considerable strain as input costs have risen, from increased raw material and energy prices to the rise in employment costs. Consumer spending is also being impacted, the impact of which is being felt across the supply chain and hospitality sector. 'On the international stage, the key markets relied upon by smaller and medium sized companies to establish their business – the UK, the EU, and the US – are all facing their own unique obstacles which have put up barriers to trade and access. The US is our most valuable market, and is vital for many companies as they establish their export portfolio. 'It's important that talks continue between governments on both sides to reduce the current 10% the tariff burden for Scotch in the US. In the EU, we are monitoring developments on the new UK-EU deal to understand how the Scotch whisky industry can benefit.' With the impact of tariffs imposed during the first Trump president still fresh in their minds – the 25% tariff on single malt is believed to have hit exports by £650 million - Scotch whisky distillers are reporting disruption in the US market. Some distillers are changing their approach to the US, which remains the sector's biggest market by value. The value of Scotch shipped to the US was measured at £971 million in 2024. (Image: GlenAllachie) Billy Walker of GlenAllachie is upbeat about the industry's prospects in Vietnam 'The immediate term impact has been confusion and uncertainty over the tariffs leading to our distributors being very cautious,' said Ian Palmer, founder and chairman of InchDairnie Distillery in Fife. 'In the long term, there will be price increases for the US consumer leading to a loss of volume and that will be more evident at the 'value' end of the market. 'The more premium end will be better placed to ride out the storm. Our brands, our Scottish rye whisky, RyeLaw, and our recently launched peated malt, KinGlassie, are both at the premium end. At present we are managing both our costs and our price point, as well as preparing to be flexible. 'Historically, the US has always been seen as solid and safe market. This has gone now, so we are looking to manage the risk by ensuring we have a good geographic spread for our brands.' The uncertainty which has arisen from the Trump tariffs was also highlighted Martin Murray, co-owner and founder of Thurso-based Dunnet Bay Distillers. 'It's a real challenge for us,' he said: 'We'd set out a plan for 2025 with market visits and investment, but that has been significantly impacted by the US tariffs. It feels like we're living week to week and that's not good for anyone in the supply chain. The possibility of [tariffs] rising to 25% would have a big impact on sales and investment in this market. As a result, we've changed our strategy to be investing in sales in Asia. Our sales in China are going well in a market that still has challenges post-Covid.' Commenting more generally on the outlook, Mr Murray added: 'Currently, it certainly feels very turbulent, but there is an underlying resilient demand. We're braced for a challenging period, whilst things come back into balance. At the moment it feels like it's perfect storm of economic headwinds, trade policy uncertainty and changing behaviours. 'The biggest threats are tariffs in the US, and the impact on increasing costs in hospitality in the UK. For us we see the opportunities as being the continued trend of premiumisation and emerging markets.' Scotch whisky veteran Billy Walker, owner of the GlenAllachie Distillery in Speyside, said he is working in partnership with its US importers to spread the cost of tariffs on both parties. Read more: Mr Walker, who before acquiring GlenAllachie had built up and sold the BenRiach Distillery Company and previously worked for Ballantine's, Inver House, and Burn Stewart, said: 'We're trying to mitigate [the tariff] by taking 50% of it on us. So from an importer's point of view, they are going to be confronted with a 5% [cost increase]. 'But on a general position, these tariffs are going to be more damaging than the previous ones, because the previous ones were only on single malt. These are on all Scotch whisky.' Asked if there was any hope of the US tariffs on UK goods being reduced, Mr Walker said the SWA, which represents the industry in government matters, was doing a 'terrific job with the appropriate political people in the UK to find a way to mitigate them, or to get them reduced or removed'. But he said: 'I don't think they are going to get them wholly removed… it would be really welcome if they disappeared completely, but I don't think that is likely in the short-term.' Despite the challenges on the immediate horizon across the Atlantic, distillers emphasised the importance of the US market to the industry's prospects in the long run. Richard Urquhart, sales director at Elgin-based Gordon & MacPhail, owner of the Benromach and The Cairn distilleries in the north of Scotland, said the importance of the US to the company and the wider industry 'hasn't changed despite the imposition of tariffs'. Mr Urquhart said: 'While these tariffs have undoubtedly introduced added complexity and cost pressures, we remain committed to the market and to our American consumers and we will continue to work closely with our in-market partners to minimise impact. 'In terms of strategy, we will continue to navigate the changing environment. It's not about pulling back, it's about adapting. We remain focused on delivering exceptional whisky experiences, regardless of the trading climate.' For some distillers, it is a case of as you were. William Dobbie, managing director of R&B Distillers, owner of Isle of Raasay Distillery, said that US tariffs 'present a bit of short-term but are manageable together with our import partners'. He told The Herald Business HQ Monthly: 'The tariff on UK goods is not as punitive as some other regions in the world, which is manageable for now. The US tariffs are not changing our strategy at all. In fact, we are investing in the US market and plan to have some boots on the ground there over the next 12 to 24 months. 'Our independent, private ownership means we can take a very long-term point of view and allow us to make decisions that will put the business in a strong place long after the challenging short-term market conditions we are experiencing. If we changed our business plans at every whim of the current US administration we would be changing them every week, which is not something we have a desire or need to do.' Read more: Away from the US, distillers' hopes of building sales in the burgeoning spirits market of India received a major boost recently. The UK-India trade deal, which followed years of negotiations between the two countries, halved tariffs on imports of whisky and gin to India from 150% to 75%. The tariffs will then be reduced to 40% by the 10th year of the agreement. 'The UK-India trade deal is genuinely transformational for the Scotch whisky industry,' said Mr Murray at Dunnet Bay Distillers. 'Reducing tariffs from 150% to 75% immediately, and to 40% by year ten, opens unprecedented opportunities in what's already the world's largest whisky market by volume. 'Industry experts estimate this could increase Scotch exports to India by £1 billion annually, while generating £3.4bn in additional tax revenue for the Indian government through increased sales. For new distilleries like Castletown Mill, this is particularly significant because the deal enables smaller and independent producers to access the Indian market for the first time. 'India's growing middle class of over 300 million people represents a massive opportunity for premium spirits with authentic heritage stories. We've just got to be patient as we start our distillation of whisky this year.' Other markets are emerging strongly for the industry. Mr Walker highlighted the potential of a range of markets in Asia for Scotch whisky, including South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia, and singled out Vietnam as one to watch. Describing Vietnamese people as 'hard-working, energetic, and entrepreneurial', Mr Walker said: 'There's money to be spent there. I can see Vietnam becoming a huge holiday area in the next few years because it has such a wonderful coastline with remarkably decent infrastructure. 'And they are knowledgeable, they are not novices when it comes to Scotch whisky.' Mr Palmer also highlighted the potential of Asia for the industry. He acknowledged Asia and South America are 'not immune' to the current economic and trade uncertainty, but forecast that 'Asian markets will probably come out of the mist sooner than other markets'. Mr Murray added: 'We're finding challenges in most markets at present. The recovery post pandemic has not materialised and we're still seeing consumer spending habits changing. There are signs of a recovery with orders coming in regularly from China.' While there has been a steady flow of new distillery openings in Scotland over the last couple of decades, the current conditions may lead potential developers to think twice about investing in new facilities for Scotch whisky production in the current climate. Mr Palmer believes there is currently 'plenty' of distilling capacity, 'so any new distillery will have to have a long-term funding plan in place and develop a product that brings something new to the marketplace'. He added: 'I don't think more of the same will work in the current economic environment.' Mr Murray was slightly more optimistic on this front, noting: 'I believe there is still scope for new distilleries to open. I believe the traditional route to market is going to be less important as direct digital marketing and sales give new distilleries access to a significant audience willing to pay for premium products. 'Emerging markets have the place to play in supporting new distilleries' sales in the long term.'
Scotsman
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Campbell gets nod as Scotland seek revenge
Ian Campbell has been selected by Scotland for the men's Home Nations shore angling championships in Ireland. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... And the Tartan Team are determined to take the title from the hosts after being denied by fish countback 12 months ago. Falkirk-based Campbell, retail manager of the Edinburgh Angling Centre, will cast a line in his second Home Nations having fished for his country for the first time in last year's event on home soil at Riverside Drive in Dundee. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Also included for the trip to Coleraine is Stewart Falconer (Arbroath), a regular in the Edinburgh Winter and New Year Shore League matches organised by Campbell in and around the Capital, and he makes his debut. Ian Campbell making his debut for Scotland 12 months ago at Riverside Drive David Neil and Brian Maxwell from Ayr and Bruce Maclean (Stranraer) complete the team for the trip to Northern Ireland. Mike Horn, chairman of the Scottish Federation for Sea Anglers (SFSA), said this was a 'hugely experienced' line-up who will do 'fine' when they cast a line in the event. The organisers, The Irish Federation of Sea Anglers, confirm that the matches are at Longfield Wall on the Foyle Estuary, on day one and three, and Benone Strand. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Common species at Longfield are flounder and eels and at Benone, flounder, turbot and bass. Ian Campbell at Granton Harbour near the Edinburgh Angling Centre where he works The beaches and estuary can be fished with a variety of rigs depending on the target species and distance required. Plain leads can be used but anglers are advised that sea conditions are unpredictable. When wind and tide combine, it can be hard fishing and heavy grip leads may be required so as not to impede fellow anglers. Bait will be frozen black lugworm, frozen mackerel, frozen whole peeler crab for Longfield and sandeel for Benone. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The ladies and juniors will fish the same beaches and the women's line-up includes Margo Robinson who makes her debut. The Dumbarton-based angler is no stranger to international fishing having appeared on several occasions for the international carp team, including casting a line in the world championships. Also included are Brighton-based Joanne Barlow, Lesley Maby (Cumbria), Gill Coutts (Largs) and Buffy McAvoy, a long-time Edinburgh resident. Kevin Lewis, their manager, said this year's Scotland squad have enjoyed several training weekends alongside the Scotland Junior team. They have been a great benefit to both groups. The ladies will practice on the Sunday before the official practice session on the Monday. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The junior squad includes Edinburgh schoolboy, Eryk Janik, and Nuno Santos, the team's new team manager, is desperate for his squad to make a real impact. Meanwhile, Falconer celebrated his international call-up by landing the longest fish, a 34cm flounder, in the latest SFSA Open at Riverside Drive in Dundee on Sunday. Simon Hogan (Cumbria) with 15 fish and 395 points won Zone A with Stevie Burns (Prestonpans) second with 14 fish for 316 points. Davy Cooper (Edinburgh) won Zone B with 17 fish for 378 points with James Duncan (Montrose) second with 15 fish for 290 points. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Flounders, eels and a few bass and whiting were caught but organiser, Chris Horn, said the venue did not fish anywhere near its potential with a smaller tide the likely reason. The SFSA presented their league prizes after Sunday's event on Tayside at the winner was Mike Kyle (Easthouses, Midlothian) with Mike Horn (Kirkcaldy) second and David Cooper (Edinburgh) third. Tronixpro were the sponsors. Locally, Jimmy Green (Musselburgh) won round five in the Bass Rock Shore Angllng League's summer series at Seacliffe Beach with a fish of 28cm. James Ogilvie and Dave Turnball (Haddington) were second equal with fish of 25cm with Max Garrett Jun from Dunbar third with a 23cm fish. The next round is on June 18 and the venue will be confirmed this weekend. Elsewhere, The Erskine Open has been brought forward to Saturday, August 9 from its previous date in late September and bosses of the Clyde and Western Region have confirmed the date for their Open Shore Sweepstake. It is August 24 at Greenock Esplanade and registration will be from 8.30am to 10.30am with fishing from 11am to 16.00. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It is a pegged, catch, measure and release match and the limit is 18cm. SFSA rules apply and the match rules are three hooks maximum. Entry is £15 and juniors are free with a participating adult. Contact Billy Buckley on 07732 741285 for details and this is pre-booking only. St Serfs hosted their first summer league match and it was fished in bright, fairly calm conditions over high water at Wormit Bay and some anglers were rewarded with some decent fish. George Harris, the club's secretary, won with 336 points and C Hay was second on 327 points. He had the longest fish at 36cm with M Abrahams third on 120 points. D Erskine was fourth with 41 points and I Crombie and F McFarlane were tied for fifth on 39 points. Fly fishing now and Lake of Menteith report that evening fishing has been producing the best results, probably due to calmer conditions. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Millhall near Polmont confirm a drop in catch returns with almost no surface activity. Anglers are having to go deeper for success. J Bown was top rod with eight fish. Buzzer patterns worked best and most other returns were in the three to five fish range. Bowden Springs at Linlithgow say Brian Scott had 11, the biggest a 6lb brown, on dries, and John Kearney Sen had ten on the bung. Recent reports from Glencorse include one from Wullie Munn who had 20 to the boat before his battery ran out and Mikey Fisher topped that with 21 to the net, dropped another six, on damsel and diawl bach on fast glass. In East Lothian, Chris Kerr (Tranent) had 16 on FAB and buzzer at Newlands Tweedale.
