Commenting as the UK and Canada have launched negotiations over a new free trade agreement, SWA International Director Ian McKendrick said: “The launch of negotiations on an updated UK-Canada free trade deal is a great opportunity to secure fairer access for Scotch Whisky to the Canadian market.

“Canada is a growing market for Scotch Whisky, reaching over £100m for the first time last year and exports have grown by 65% over the last decade.  Over 60% of Scotch Whisky exports to Canada are Single Malt Scotch Whisky, making Canada a particularly important export destination for many smaller Scotch Whisky distillers that only produce Single Malt.

“We look forward to working with negotiators to agree a comprehensive deal which addresses longstanding practices by certain provincial Liquor Boards which currently limit market access for Scotch Whisky.

“Canada is a whisky loving nation, and with fairer access secured through the free-trade deal the industry is confident that we can continue to grow direct exports of Scotch Whisky in the years ahead.”