Hewitt heads to India for a celebration of Scotch

Published on Saturday 18 October 2008 15:01

GAVIN Hewitt, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, has flown to India this weekend to host an event designed to strengthen the ties between India and the whisky industry, writes William Lyons.

Up to 400 key stakeholders, including government, media and trade, are expected to attend the "Celebration of Scotch Whisky" at the British High Commissioner's Residence in Delhi.

Hewitt will say: "The current EU-India Free Trade negotiations are a real opportunity for us all – an opportunity to achieve a wide-ranging and landmark trade deal together.

"It is a chance to put in place a new framework that allows us to realise the mutual benefits of a widening and deepening trading relationship.

"The prospects for trade and investment between the UK and India are bright. Both the Scotch Whisky and Indian spirits industries are well placed to succeed in the future and to benefit from the new opportunities that are arising.

"Challenges remain but events such as tonight can play a role in building understanding, developing cooperation and strengthening our trade relationship."

India last year reduced its tariffs on imported spirits.

Whisky exports to India are expected to increase in coming years as Scotch becomes more affordable.