Single Malt Scotch Whisky Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis By Distribution Channel (On-Trade [Pubs, Bars, Restaurants and Others] and Off-Trade [Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Liquor Stores, Online Stores, and Others]), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global single malt scotch whisky market size was valued at USD 8.59 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD  9.22  billion in 2025 to USD 15.60 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.80% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the single malt scotch whisky market with a market share of 48.54% in 2024.

Single malt scotch whisky is a type of Scotch whisky distilled at a single distillery from malted barley and water without adding any other cereals, using batch distillation in copper pot stills. The growing demand for premium and artisanal spirits, rising disposable incomes, and urbanization have been fueling the market's significant growth. The availability of innovative flavors is a key trend influencing consumers to purchase unique scotch whiskies. Spirit-based beverage producers are developing novel products in different flavors and taste profiles, further propel the popularity of the product.

• For instance, in February 2025, Amrut Distillers, an Indian company renowned for its single malt whisky, launched “Expedition”, a single malt whisky in India, which is matured for 15 years. The new product features unique packaging details, flavors, and advanced authentication features.

Diageo plc, Pernod Ricard, Bacardi & Company Limited, Asahi Group Holdings, and Suntory Group are few prominent players operating in the market.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Rising Demand for Artisanal Spirits in Developing Economies to Drive Market Growth

Nowadays, there has been a shift in consumer preference from locally brewed beverages to imported, higher-quality, branded, premium alcoholic drinks. This increasing demand is driven by changes in consumption patterns towards premium and craft spirits, the growing popularity of cocktail culture in urban centres, and the rise in global disposable incomes. This group of consumers is becoming more brand-conscious and more aspirational. According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS), in 2021,  around 82% of the spirits sector's revenue increased by selling super-premium and high-end spirits brands. Thus, the change in consumer behavior is reflected in shoppers' preference for quality over quantity. In addition, the willingness of consumers to pay a premium amount for premium alcoholic beverages provides an authentic experience, further fueling the demand for artisanal and crafted single malt scotch whiskies.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Negative Health Effects Associated with Excessive Alcohol Consumption May Limit Market Growth

Excessive alcohol consumption comes with several short-term and long-term health risks. Excess use of alcohol has led to immediate effects that eventually increase the risk of numerous harmful health conditions. Short-term health conditions include alcohol poisoning, miscarriage, stillbirth, and long-term health conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, digestive problems, liver disease, heart disease, cancer, weakening of the immune system, mental health problems, and learning and memory problems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) recent report, 2.6 million deaths per year were attributed to alcohol consumption. Therefore, the negative impact on health is anticipated to restrict the consumption of spirits.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Soaring Focus on Exploration of Unique Cask Finishing and Grain Varieties to Provide Growth Opportunities

The prominent players in the market have been pioneering unique production methods, which have been contributing to new growth opportunities in the single malt scotch whisky industry. Distillers have been experimenting with the maturation of whisky using a variety of cask types, such as wine and American bourbon barrels. Some players have also been exploring integrating water sources and indigenous grains, botanicals, spices, and herbs to create distinctive flavor profiles. This wave of innovation would help in the rapid expansion and growth of the market in the foreseeable future.

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY MARKET TRENDS

Growing Trend of Socializing and Partying among Millennials and Gen-Z to Fuel Market Expansion

Gen Z and millennials play a significant role in the alcoholic beverages market. Consumers' choice of products depends on their need for satisfaction, whereas this behavior is majorly influenced by their surroundings, mass media advertising, and social environment. For Gen Z consumers, consuming alcohol is only about socializing and partying with their peers. For instance, during holidays, there is an increase in various holiday parties, social functions, and dine-outs, which has led to increased alcohol consumption for most adults. For millennials, alcohol-centric socializing has crept into their lives and has stayed for a long time. Pubs, nightclubs, and bars are the key venues for alcohol consumption, especially among young people. Thus, these drinking locations can form a major part of an individual's recreational and social life, socializing and providing fun, physical exercise, and relaxation opportunities, further fueling the demand for single malt whiskey.

Segmentation Analysis

By Distribution Channel

Low Cost and Economic Stability to Boost Off-Trade Segment Expansion

Based on distribution channel, the market is bifurcated into on-trade and off-trade.

The off-trade segment dominates the global single malt scotch whisky market share. The off-trade channel consists of supermarkets/hypermarkets, liquor stores, online stores, and others. These channels account for the majority of the share owing to convenience and extensive availability of products. Moreover, spirit prices are usually lower in this channel compared to on-trade channels, making them more preferred among consumers. Furthermore, the growing consumer shift toward at-home consumption due to the pandemic further fueled off-trade sales. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, in the U.S., off-trade spirits sales grew by 27% in 2020, mainly due to flexibility of availability and ease of ordering alcohol through e-commerce platforms during the pandemic while on-premise alcohol consumption was restricted.

The on-trade segment will grow at a significant rate in the coming years. The on-trade segment comprises pubs, bars, restaurants, and others. This channel is a vital part of the alcohol industry where consumers first encounter new types of spirits and brands in food service sector, making it a key channel for brand building and product discovery.

Single Malt Scotch Whisky Market Regional Outlook

By geography, the market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Asia Pacific

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Asia Pacific dominates the global single malt scotch whisky market. The region is experiencing a surge in the popularity of scotch whisky owing to growth in the middle-class population, rise in disposable incomes, and shift towards premium spirits. This trend is particularly seen in emerging nations such as India and China, where Scotch whisky imports are significantly growing. According to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), the whisky makers exported 219 million bottles to India, up 60% on 2021. Asia's emerging and developing markets have significantly contributed to volume and value growth across the market. The prominent players in the region have been adopting investment strategies to establish facilities within the region to supply the rising demand for alcoholic beverages. For instance, in November 2024, Diageo plc, one of the world’s leading whisky producers, opened a  YunTuo single malt whisky distillery in China. The new facility would accelerate Diageo’s position as a whisky leader in China.

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North America

North America is known to be the second-largest market for single malt scotch whisky, owing to rising consumer demand for craft and premium spirits. The market is also booming owing to a surge in whisky-based mixed drinks and cocktail culture, contributing to expanding consumer bases beyond traditional whisky enthusiasts. The U.S. is known to be a dominant player in the region with strong sales of imported Scotch malt whiskies. Industry players in the region are expanding their product line and attracting younger consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z,  who value craftsmanship and authenticity. For instance, in February 2024, Longmorn Distillery, a single malt Scotch whisky distillery, launched two new single malt whiskies, including 18-Year-Old and 22-Year-Old single malt whiskies.

Europe

Scotch whisky is popular in Europe due to its reputation and long history of creating top-notch spirits. The high level of consumer consumption, high disposable incomes, and strong cultural attachment to traditional Scottish whisky are major factors driving the market's growth. Scotland is known to be the heartland of single malt whisky and exports a significant amount of Scotch whisky globally, further solidifying its position in the European single malt Scotch whisky exports. According to the Scotch Whisky Association, in 2022, Scotland exported USD 7.02 billion of Scotch whisky, a 37% rise in value compared to the previous year. Prominent players such as Beam Suntory, Diageo plc, Pernod Ricard, and others have also been investing in whisky tourism by offering tastings, enhancing visitor experiences at distilleries, and showcasing production processes, further fueling brand loyalty and global single malt scotch whisky market growth.

South America

South America has been experiencing a growing popularity of single malt scotch whisky, particularly in markets such as Brazil and Venezuela, owing to a rise in significant exports. According to the Scotch Whisky Association, in 2022, the country imported 93 million bottles of Scotch 2022, up by 14% compared to 2021. Brazil is a key growth market due to rising disposable income and the growing popularity of Scotch whisky among the young middle class. Recently, Scotch whisky was given special recognition with Geographical Indication (GI) status in Brazil, further impacting market growth by boosting exports, strengthening intellectual property, and providing protection against counterfeiting.

Middle East & Africa

Over the past few years, the beverage industry has grown significantly in the Middle Eastern region. Consumers' rising income and urban living are among the primary factors that will propel the demand for “premium and intricate flavored” beverages in Middle Eastern countries. A change in the demand for beverage products by consumers and tourists due to globalization and cultural diversification made the beverage industry more competitive and innovative in the region. Indian single malt brands such as Rampur, Amrut, and Indri have been gaining recognition in the UAE owing to the growing diaspora and demand for premium labels in foreign markets.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Novel Product Launch With Innovative Flavor Profile to Increase Sales

The global single malt scotch whisky market is projected to be highly fragmented, with the presence of dominant players, small or regional players, and independent distilleries. Prominent companies such as Diageo plc, Pernod Ricard, Bacardi & Company Limited, Asahi Group Holdings, and Suntory Group account for a significant share.

The companies operating in the global market are more open to making incremental innovations that allow them to implement higher levels of technology and increase their product quality. It is an opportunity for the industry to develop a novel product range and enhance the supply of products in the global market.

• For instance, in October 2024, Rampur Distillery, a unit of Radico Khaitan Limited, launched its latest Indian Single Malt Whisky expression, Rampur Barrel Blush, in U.K. The new product has a complex flavor profile and imparts vanilla, oak, and soft spices notes.

LIST OF KEY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY COMPANIES PROFILED

• Bacardi & Company Limited (U.S.)
• Gordon & MacPhail  (U.K.)
• Asahi Group Holdings (Japan)
• The Edrington Group Limited (U.K.)
• The Glenmorangie Distillery Co. (Scotland)
• Diageo plc (U.K.)
• Pernod Ricard (France)
• William Grant & Sons (U.K.)
• Radico Khaitan Ltd (India)
• La Martiniquaise (France)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• May 2025: Radico Khaitan Ltd., an Indian company manufacturing alcohol, launched two distinct whiskies named TRIKAL Indian Single Malt and Morpheus Super Premium Whisky. The new launch aimed to dominate both the luxury and super-premium categories of alcohol in the market.
• February 2025: Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited (ABD), acquired all brands and intellectual property rights from Fullarton Distilleries Private Limited. The acquisition would strengthen ABD’s position in the super-premium spirits segment and help focus on product innovation in India’s craft spirits industry.
• August 2024: The Glenmorangie Distillery Co., a Scotland-based distillery, launched Azuma Makoto 23 Years Old, a single malt scotch whisky, in India. The new product was made available only at Delhi Duty Free.
• March 2024: The Macallan, in partnership with Bentley Motors, launched The Macallan Horizon, a single malt whisky with an extraordinary automotive design.
• November 2022: Diageo plc, a British multinational alcoholic beverage company, acquired Balcones Distilling (‘Balcones’), one of the leading producers of American Single Malt Whisky in the U.S.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global market report provides market size and forecast across numeous segments. It includes details on the market dynamics and trends expected to drive the market over the forecast period. It offers information about the key regions/countries, key industry developments, new product launches, and details on key countries' partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions. The market analysis also covers a detailed competitive landscape with information on the market share and profiles of key players.

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Report Scope & Segmentation