I've discussed brewing as a recession-proof "vice" industry previously, but it may have company: Michael sends in news that exports of Scotch whisky are up 14% in the first half of 2008, bucking the worldwide economic slowdown.
The growing acceptance of whisky in China has played a large part in whisky's resilience, with total Scotch sales in China rising "dramatically, from just £1m in 2000 to £40m last year." Chivas Regal in particular has gained significant market share through mixing with green tea in clubs and karaoke joints.
Interestingly, the first trip of the BBC's "Box," a shipping container which will be tracked around the world in a year-long feature, will be transporting whiskey to Shanghai. Good to know its contents will be waiting for me when I move to Shanghai in December!
The growing acceptance of whisky in China has played a large part in whisky's resilience, with total Scotch sales in China rising "dramatically, from just £1m in 2000 to £40m last year." Chivas Regal in particular has gained significant market share through mixing with green tea in clubs and karaoke joints.
Interestingly, the first trip of the BBC's "Box," a shipping container which will be tracked around the world in a year-long feature, will be transporting whiskey to Shanghai. Good to know its contents will be waiting for me when I move to Shanghai in December!
1 comment:
This is fascinating! When my husband and I first visited China (1987), it was nearly impossible to find any western-style spirits. Rice- and bamboo-based spirits, yes, but that was it.
Anyway, thanks for the news tip about the BBC "Box."
As for Shanghai: I'll be interested to hear what you have to say about it. Like Beijing, it changed dramatically in the early 1990s. The city we visited in 1999 bore no resemblance to the one was first "met" in 1987.
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