Scotch whisky distilleries now making sanitisers

Scotch whisky is one of the UK’S largest export sectors, but the coronavirus pandemic has spiked it to such an extent that 87% of distilleries in Scotland have either closed entirely or are operating at reduced capacity — many producing hand sanitisers in bulk.

There are 133 Scotch whisky distilleries operating in Scotland, shipping 1.3 billion bottles to 175 markets around the world. The industry contributes over £ 5 billion to the UK economy, but the figure are set to be more sober in the current year.

According to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), the industry has scaled-back operations to protect the safety of workforce during the pandemic. Many have switched to producing hand sanitisers and ethanol to support health services. “All sites that continue to operate have strict social distancing in place to protect employees…87% of production sites are either operating at reduced capacity or have closed”, the SWA said in its analysis of the industry.

Latest estimates show that a number of companies are either manufacturing hand sanitiser on-site or providing high strength ethanol to other manufacturers, amounting to 14.1 million litres — enough to make around 56 million bottles of hand sanitisers. “The collapse of global hospitality, tourism and travel retail sectors is a very real concern and this year we are likely to experience a significant downturn in exports.”

The SWA has long been campaigning for improved market access to India, where Scotch whisky is estimated to account for barely 1% of its 300 million-case market. India imposes 150% tariff, besides other levies by state governments. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has often remarked that Scotch whisky would be one of the top items in talks on a free trade agreement with India after Brexit. In 2019, Scotch whisky exports to India were worth £166 million.