"Home of Whisky" welcomes high ranking Chinese delegation

A high level delegation from the Chinese Alcoholic Drinks Association (CADA) arrived in Scotland last week to understand more about the Scotch Whisky industry, including meeting with the Scotch Whisky Association and Scotch Whisky Research Institute.

The delegation met with the CEO of the Scotch Whisky Association, Mark Kent, to continue discussions on China’s regulatory framework and standardisation of whisky production.

The discussions were considered important as CADA gears up for what many industry experts predict will see an exponential increase in the country’s whisky production over the next ten years and beyond.

Secretary-general of CADA’s Whisky Committee and Beer branch, Ms. Yuan Yue, said: “Our engagement with the Scotch Whisky Association is a significant first step in broader international cooperation for the growing Chinese whisky industry. We have many common priorities. As China moves forward with in setting the legal definitions and industry standards for whisky production; our cooperation will help to protect the integrity of Scotch and Chinese whisky which means a “win win” outcome for both countries. This will support the development of whisky produced in China, improve the international competitiveness of Chinese whisky and help in providing a level playing field for fair and open competition.”

During the delegation’s trip to Scotland, they visited the Johnnie Walker experience in Edinburgh and the Scotch Whisky Research Institute as well as Diageo’s Glenkinchie distillery.

CADA’s UK representative Mr. Richard Lu commented: “As well as exchanging information about the the regulatory framework and certification of whisky in China, CADA is keen to cooperate with Scotch Whisky distilleries to promote the trade of spirits between China and the UK. We are also developing technical and cultural exchanges between international spirits including BAIJIU in order to promote safe drinking, the application of sustainability and reduction in carbon footprint aimed at the healthy and orderly development of the industry.”

On welcoming the delegation, Kent added: “It is a great honour to welcome CADA to Scotland and we are pleased to have opportunities to explain more about the importance of strong production led standards for the global whisky sector through our meetings with CADA and SWRI. China is a key market for Scotch whisky worth £232 million in 2022 making it our sixth largest export market. We therefore look forward to continuing to engage with CADA on supporting a regulatory environment which promotes responsible consumption and sustainability across our supply chain, protects consumers and drives economic growth for our industries.”

3 April 2023 - Bradley Weir