L A N
g n i
O Sp I T .S. A U N R E D T N N A I M E D
s t i ir
E
TH
ow r G
website, s a y i n g , “Together we will be a global leader in distilled
R
FO
Beam’s
spirits with the #3 position in premium spirits and a dynamic portfolio
across key categories.”
The dynamic portfolio Shattock refers to is another
reason U.S. spirits are in such high demand. Even if another
country produces a high quality spirit, they rarely offer the wide
IS
Y
NB
E ITT
R CH
R ZIE
LO
WR
variety of unique spirits that American distillers offer at the same high level of quality. That high standard of quality is a central growth factor we
may take for granted. American distillers are some of the world’s best. Our distilling techniques developed from the diverse international backgrounds emigrants have brought with them since the inception of the country. Our distillers are
U
well educated and experienced, and trade shows, classes and
nited States spirits exports set a record in 2013 at
seminars are readily available. The U.S. distilling industry is
over $1.5 billion, growing 250 percent in the last
large, supportive and sharing, and this cooperation raises the
10 years according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United
quality of the spirits industry-wide. Still builders, cooperages,
States (DISCUS). A number of factors are driving international
bottling companies and many other suppliers are happy to work
demand, including a global whiskey renaissance, a growing
with distillers to help them improve their products, and only the
global cocktail culture, and the simple fact that Americans make
best products at each given price point survive thanks to heavy
some of the world’s best spirits.
competition. If a spirit is a domestic standout, it will almost
Market-opening agreements have also made it more affordable
surely be an international standout, as well.
for international consumers to buy American spirits. The U.S.
We also have some of the best agricultural products in the
opened a zero for zero tariff partnership with the European Union
world, and the best spirits start with the best ingredients. Most
(EU) in 1994, and many EU countries are now leading markets. craft distillers are able to work with local farmers to produce Likewise, South Korea removed their 20 percent tariff and they the specific varieties of grains, fruits and botanicals they need. purchased almost $15 million of U.S. spirits in 2013. In 2005, Some even grow their own ingredients. While many areas of the China enacted a 10 percent tariff reduction and that market
world are known for specific agricultural products and spirits
has grown 315 percent. With many countries also experiencing
made from those products, American farmers produce almost all
expanding middle classes with more discretionary income to
of them in unique terroirs with strict quality standards.
spend, U.S. spirits are often becoming their first choice.
Taking advantage of this mountain of history, experience and
Expanding global markets are a major priority for large spirits
resources, U.S. distillers are producing top-shelf high-demand
conglomerates. Recently, Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan
spirits in all categories. DISCUS published a report using
purchased Chicago-based Beam Inc. with the goal of gaining
Census Customs data that breaks down U.S. spirits exports into
more international market share and leverage though the
eight categories: “Whiskey, Bourbon,” “Whiskey, Other,” “Rum,” acquisition of Beam’s labels. Beam Inc. President and CEO Matt “Brandy,” “Gin,” “Vodka,” “Cordials,” and “Other Distilled Shattock emphasizes their global ambitions on a press release on Spirits.” Of these eight categories, only one, “Other Distilled
24 WWW.ARTISANSPIRITMAG.COM