Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) figures reflect this assertion, with exports up 3% in value to £3.13bn in 2009, and export volumes increasing 4% worldwide, driven by success in developing countries like Brazil (+44%), Mexico (+25%) and Taiwan (+14%).

Diageo’s 3,000m² distillery opened in mid-October and is the first large-scale malt distillery to be opened in the country for 30 years; it forms part of the firm’s Scottish capital investment programme, with £600m spent in the country over the past six years.

The Roseisle site features 14 copper stills and a 10m litre per-year production capacity; it also includes a bioenergy recycling facility that will allow the facility to generate most of its own energy and cut carbon dioxide emissions.

Chief executive Paul Walsh said: “Economic growth and consumer demographics present a great opportunity for the Scotch whisky industry and for Diageo’s outstanding brands, especially in the developing markets.”