Trump lifts tariffs on UK-distilled whisky

May 1
1 min read

US President Donald Trump has announced that he will remove tariffs on all whisky imports from the UK, giving a welcome boost to distillers in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

President Trump made the announcement yesterday (30 April 2026) following King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s four-day state visit.

In a post shared on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that he would remove all tariffs and restrictions on whisky “in honour of” the King and Queen’s visit, and improve Scotland’s ability to work with the Commonwealth of Kentucky on whiskey and bourbon.

Though his post focused on the Scotch whisky industry, US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer later confirmed that this preferential duty access applies to all whisky produced in the UK.

Whisky distilled in the Republic of Ireland will remain subject to the standard 15% import tariff on goods from the EU.

Mark Kent, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, described the move as a “significant boost” for the industry in its most valuable export market.

He commented: “Distillers can breathe a little easier during a period of significant pressure on the sector. We are hugely grateful for the sustained efforts on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Kent noted that industry stakeholders, and UK and Scottish governments, have “worked tirelessly” to return zero-for-zero tariff trade for whisky and bourbon in recent months, adding that the relationship between the Scotch whisky and American whiskey industries will be “reinvigorated” by the announcement.

“While challenges in our sector remain, we can now redouble our efforts to boost the benefits our two great industries bring to communities across Scotland and the US,” Kent concluded.

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Leah Smith

8 May 2026

New products

Ella’s Kitchen launches new children's snack range

Ella’s Kitchen is expanding beyond the baby food aisle with the launch of Ella’s Kitchen Kids, a new product line aimed at children aged 18 months and older.

The launch marks a significant strategic move for the brand as it looks to extend its presence beyond the weaning category and capture growing demand for healthier snack options for toddlers and young children.

Positioned as a “better-for-you” alternative to traditional children’s snacks, the new range combines bold flavours, playful branding and convenient formats with the nutritional standards parents associate with the Ella’s Kitchen brand.

The company said the range was developed in response to changing family eating habits and the lack of minimally processed snack options for older toddlers outside the baby aisle.

Initial products include Ella’s Kitchen Kids Crunchy Stix in Cheese + Onion, Tomato + Basil and Pesto varieties, alongside Ella’s Kitchen Kids Wild Crackers available in Tomato + Oregano, Pea + Basil and Carrot + Rosemary flavours.

Designed for lunchboxes, picnics and snacking occasions, the products are formulated with reduced salt levels and classified as non-HFSS options. According to the company, the Crunchy Stix contain less than 0.04g of salt per pack, while the Crackers contain less than 0.05g per serving.

Emma Wood, Senior Brand Manager at Ella’s Kitchen, said: “Ella’s Kitchen Kids is about recognising that the journey doesn’t stop at baby food. As little ones grow, their tastes, independence and routines all change – but parents still want options they can feel good about.”

The launch also signals Ella’s Kitchen’s wider ambitions within the children’s snacking market, with additional products and categories expected later this year.

Wood added that the company aims to help “raise the standards of the kids’ food category” by balancing taste, convenience and nutrition.