The Scotch Whisky Association, which looks after Scotch Whisky's interests round the globe and which lobbies governement on behalf of the industry, has announced a new chairman. He is Paul Walsh, Chief Executive of Diageo so that tells you how important the SWA is to the whisky companies when the CEO of the largest one takes on this role. Ian Curle, Chief Executive of The Edrington Group, has been appointed as the SWA Vice-Chairman. Mr. Walsh says:

“It is an honour to be invited by my industry colleagues to become Chairman of The Scotch Whisky Association at a time when new opportunities for Scotch Whisky are developing worldwide.

“Scotch Whisky is one of the country’s leading export industries, with annual shipments of £2.5bn representing a quarter of UK and two thirds of Scottish food and drink exports by value. I want to build on this success for the benefit of the economy as a whole.

“The SWA’s continuing priority must be to set a positive agenda in support of all its members, large and small. In addition to its invaluable legal work protecting the integrity of Scotch Whisky, the Association has an important role to play in tackling the barriers to trade that unfairly hold us back in our export markets. Equally, leadership in the promotion of responsible attitudes to alcohol consumption and environmental sustainability will continue to be key priorities in the coming year.”

Indeed, the SWA is extremely active worldwide on behalf of the Scotch producers, pursuing fraudulent activity and passing off of local products as Scotch as well as having Scotch's integrity protected in the laws of other countries as well as its homeland. It also does a great job promoting sensible drinking in conjunction with its member companies. The new opportunities Paul Walsh mentions cover a number of countries but India and China are the awakening giants for the industry and of growing importance for all Scotch producers.