The Scottish drinks industry
The beverage industry is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, and the contribution of Scottish drinks – particularly whisky, beer and soft drinks – cannot be underestimated. Whisky alone accounts for £3 billion of exports annually.
A complete supply chain contributes to the prosperity of the Scottish drinks industry, with a full range of services available for beverages companies. Major opportunities for expansion in global markets and for inward investment into Scotland exist within the drinks industry.
Strengths of the Scottish drinks industry
In addition to the large organisations based in Scotland, there are a number of smaller companies, many exporting to global markets. This mix adds to the diversity and strength of the Scottish drinks industry. The industry comprises:
- Spirits.
- Carbonated drinks.
- Bottled water and soft drinks.
- Ready-to-drinks.
- Beer, lager and traditional ales.
The presence of large multinational drinks giants is complemented by medium-sized international organisations and exporting companies, and by smaller home-grown enterprises and overseas businesses operating in Scotland.
Several large-scale bottling plants and other manufacturing centres are located in Scotland. Other advantages that Scotland can boast include:
- High levels of technical and marketing expertise.
- Heriot-Watt University offering the world’s only Brewing and Distilling MBA.
- A settled, well-trained and highly motivated workforce.
Global challenges facing the Scottish drinks industry
The corporate landscape is changing fast as global consolidation quickens, bringing with it challenges for members of the drinks industry in Scotland. The rising cost of research and development, and the sheer scale of developing global markets, are other factors that the Scottish drinks industry must face up to.
Scotland is well placed to build on existing expertise and adapt to the challenges facing the global drinks industry. Indeed, the Scottish drinks industry can look to the future with confidence by attracting inward investment and increasing the levels of exports of our famous products to developing markets such as North America, Asia-Pacific, Africa, Mexico and South America, and Europe.
The size and complexity of these industries and the need to compete in, and ship to, the global marketplace has ensured the development of a world-class, leading-edge Scottish drinks industry.
Scottish food and drink are world-renowned for their quality. Find out more about the various Scottish food and drink sectors that contribute to a vibrant and growing industry.