The signing of the UK-India free trade agreement has been welcomed as a transformative moment for Scotland’s iconic Scotch whisky sector, with industry leaders predicting wider access to one of the world’s largest emerging whisky markets.
The historic agreement, which awaits ratification from both the UK and Indian governments, is set to reduce long-standing tariffs and open the door for premium Scottish spirits to flourish among India’s rapidly expanding consumer base. With Scotch currently facing import duties as high as 150% in India, producers have long campaigned for improved trading conditions.
Jean-Etienne Gourgues, CEO at Chivas Brothers – one of Scotland’s leading whisky firms, known for beloved brands including Chivas Regal and Ballantine’s – described the deal as a game-changer for both the Scottish and Indian economies.
To be attributed to Jean-Etienne Gourgues, CEO at Chivas Brothers: “The signing of the UK-India free trade agreement marks a significant step forward for the Scotch whisky industry.
“Once ratified by UK and Indian governments, this deal will unlock one of the world’s biggest whisky markets and enable us to open Chivas Brothers’ Scotch whiskies up to a wider range of Indian consumers seeking premium, world-class spirits.
“The deal will support long term investment and jobs in our distilleries in Speyside and our bottling plant at Kilmalid and help deliver growth in both Scotland and India over the next decade. It’s clear that the future of Scotch is global and we believe India will be a key partner in that journey.”
Industry analysts agree that India represents a major opportunity for Scottish distillers. Though the country accounts for nearly half the global whisky market by volume, only a tiny fraction is currently occupied by imported Scotch, with the rest satisfied by domestically made spirits.
Local business leaders in Speyside and across Scotland have echoed Chivas Brothers’ optimism, noting potential economic benefits for communities that depend on whisky production. The agreement is also expected to give a welcome jobs boost to bottling plants, such as Chivas Brothers’ Kilmalid site near Dumbarton.
The Scotch Whisky Association has long lobbied for better access to the Indian market, with chief executive Mark Kent stating earlier this year that “slashing the tariff would be the single biggest prize available to Scotch whisky exporters from any trade deal around the world.”
The deal comes amid a period of robust growth for the global Scotch industry and signals the UK’s post-Brexit ambition to forge new international partnerships.
As Gourgues reflects: “It’s clear that the future of Scotch is global and we believe India will be a key partner in that journey.” With ratification expected in coming months, Scottish distillers and Indian consumers alike await the next chapter in this centuries-old spirit’s expanding story.
