At the same time, some speedy newcomers are moving up the tables quickly, according to a study commissioned by Vinexpo from Wine and Spirits Research (IWSR).
Supremely ahead for the amount of Scotch whisky they drink, the French are expected to consume nearly 174 million bottles (14.5 million cases) this year.
That is almost double the US, ranked number two, which should see imports reach nearly 102 million bottles (8.5 million cases).
The UK is in third position with consumption expected to be just under 72 million bottles (6 million cases) this year. However, consumption is likely to fall by as much as 3% by 2016. That will push the UK into fourth position among Scotch drinkers worldwide.
Leaping into number three spot by 2016 is Russia. Consumption is expected to rise swiftly from more than 56 million bottles (4.7 million cases) this year to nearly 78 million bottles (6.5 million cases) in five years’ time.
By 2016, the UK will be pushed into fourth place while Brazil, also a fast grower, will drop from number 4 to number 5. Nonetheless, Brazil will be consuming nearly 66 million bottles of whisky (5.5 million cases) by 2016.
Spain will drop out of the top five in line with steadily falling consumption of Scotch whisky over the years. By 2016 consumption in Spain is forecast to drop almost half to just over 48 million bottles (4 million cases) compared with nearly 96 million bottles (8 million cases) ten years previously.
Source: Vinexpo
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