A TASTE FOR AMERICAN SPIRITS

WE AMERICANS certainly enjoy our domestic spirits (bourbon in particular) but it seems the rest of the world is developing quite a thirst for tipples from the US. The value of American spirits exports increased by 1O.6% in the first half of 2O17 – up more than $67 million to a total of $698.5 million with growth driven by the whiskey category. The American whiskey category, which includes including Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey and American Rye, increased in value by nearly $27 million to $464.6 million – a rise of 6.1%. Other domestic spirits also showed strong growth, including brandy – up 39.4% ($12.2 million to $43.45 million total); vodka – up 51.2% ($11.4 million to $33.6 million total); and rum – up 49.5% ($5.2 million to $18.55 million total). Canada remains the largest market for US spirits exports, which were valued at $87.6 million. Other markets to achieve significant growth include the UK, where the value of American spirits imported into the country increasing by 39% to $64.8 million. Germany followed, achieving an increase of 33% to $55.4 million; France by 21.4% to $51.8 million. However, Brazil achieved the biggest growth, with the value of imports of American spirits into the country increasing by a huge 313.8%, albeit from a small base. The market is now worth $1O.2 million to American distillers. Other strong markets for US-made spirits in the first half of the year include Italy, Poland, Latvia and Chile.