Scotch Whisky Association

Scotch Whisky Association

Abbreviation	SWA
Formation	April 1942
Legal status	Non-profit organisation (limited liability company registered in Edinburgh)
Purpose	Scotch whisky in the UK
Location	Quartermile 2 2 Lister Square, Edinburgh EH3 9GL
Region served	Worldwide
Membership	57 Scotch whisky producers
Chief Executive	David Frost CMG
Main organ	SWA Council
Website	SWA

The Scotch Whisky Association is a trade organisation that represents the Scotch whisky industry. The Scotch whisky industry is an important part of the Scottish economy, and particularly the Scottish export market.

Structure

The main office of the SWA is in the city of Edinburgh, in the Quartermile district.

Membership

Members include:

• Diageo
• Chivas Brothers
• John Dewar & Sons
• Drambuie Liqueur Company
• The Edrington Group
• William Grant & Sons
• John Haig
• Highland Distillers
• Scotch Malt Whisky Society
• Beam Suntory
• William Teacher & Sons
• John Walker & Sons

Of these, Diageo and Chivas Brothers are the largest.

Purpose

Its stated purpose is to promote, protect and represent the interests of the whisky industry in Scotland and around the world. Similar to the Portman Group, it also promotes responsible drinking, with campaigns to curb drinking to excess.

History

It was formed on 17 April 1942. It became a limited company in 1960.

The SWA's members represent over 95% of Scotch whisky production, which encompasses over 2,500 brands around the world.

See also

• List of whisky brands

External links

• List of members

Video clips

• Interview with Gavin Hewitt
• A tough year in May 2009
• Improving export business in September 2008

News items

• Safe drinking in November 2009
• Industry protection in November 2009
• Protecting the integrity of the industry in December 2007
• One billion bottles exported in April 2007
• 981 million bottles exported in April 2004