British drink exports increase by over £1billion in a year — and whiskey plays key role

BRITISH drink exports have increased by more than £1billion in a year.

The total jumped from £8.3billion in 2021/22 to £9.4billion in the 12 months to July, according to business advisers Hazlewoods.

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Spirits played a key role in that success, with strong demand for whisky from traditional markets in the EU — including France, Germany, Spain and Poland — as well as India and Singapore.

But sales of beer to the EU suffered because of Brexit-related red tape.

Rebecca Copping, from Hazlewoods, said: “British heritage brands have successfully placed themselves as a luxury in the international drinks market.

“A large chunk of this success is due to young, wealthy consumers buying drink brands that signify status and success.

“Despite high interest rates around much of the globe, consumer spending on luxury goods has held up well — and this has certainly had a hand in increasing drinks exports.”

A Department for Business and Trade spokeswoman said: “We can all raise a glass to the fantastic efforts of UK wine and spirit producers.”

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk