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 |
|
Region served | Worldwide |
Membership | 55 Scotch whisky producers |
Chief Executive | Gavin Hewitt 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 West End of Edinburgh, just off the A8, with another office in London.
Membership
Members include:
- Beam Inc.
- Diageo
- John Dewar & Sons
- Drambuie Liqueur Company
- The Edrington Group
- William Grant & Sons
- John Haig
- Highland Distillers
- Scotch Malt Whisky Society
- William Teacher & Sons
- John Walker & Sons
Of these, Diageo and the Edrington Group 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.
There are over 2,500 brands of Scotch whisky around the world. The SWA's members represent over 95% of Scotch whisky production.
There are four areas in Scotland with distinguishing types of whisky:
- Lowland Malts
- Speyside Malts
- Islay Malts
- Campbeltown
Highland Malts and Grain Whisky are produced all over Scotland.