Scotch Whisky Association
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| Abbreviation | SWA |
|---|---|
| Formation | April 1942 |
| Legal status | Non-profit organisation (limited liability company registered in Edinburgh) |
| Purpose | Promoting the Scotch whisky industry |
| Location |
|
Region served | Worldwide |
Membership | 57 Scotch whisky producers |
Chief Executive | Karen Betts |
Main organ | SWA Council |
| Website | SWA |
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) 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 based in the Lauriston area of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Membership
Members include:[1]
- 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
The SWA's 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.
The SWA led an unsuccessful challenge to the Scottish government's minimum alcohol price policy, enshrined in the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Act 2012. The UK's Supreme Court ruled on 15 November 2017 that the Act was not disproportionate to the stated policy aim of reducing alcohol misuse and overconsumption, and therefore not contrary to EU law.[2] Karen Betts, the SWA chief executive, said the association "accept[s] the Supreme Court's ruling".[3]
See also
References
- ^ SWA, Members & Brands, accessed 15 November 2017
- ^ Supreme Court, Scotch Whisky Association and others (Appellants) v The Lord Advocate and another (Respondents) (Scotland) [2017 UKSC 76], 15 November 2017
- ^ SWA, Response to MUP ruling, 15 November 2017
External links
Video clips
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
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