'Supply chain collaboration essential for Scotch Whisky’, say industry leaders

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has stressed the importance of collaboration across the supply chain as industry leaders joined Scottish cereals stakeholders at the 2026 Royal Highland Show. A panel discussion at the show with representatives from the farming, malting and Scotch Whisky industries highlighted how working together on key issues including sustainability and crop resilience can help futureproof Scotland’s national drink for decades to come, as well as the grain to glass supply chain it supports.

With over three quarters of all cereals used in Scotch Whisky grown on Scottish farms, and more than 90% of malting barley, the success of Scotland's national drink is closely linked to a strong agricultural sector. However, with the supply chain now facing increased challenges as a result of climate change, the Scotch Whisky body has begun development of a ‘Resilient Cereals Framework’ alongside sector stakeholders, committing to support soil health, biodiversity, water resilience and lower-carbon cereal production. The framework, due to be published this summer, recognises that reducing emissions alone will not secure future cereal supplies and that building resilience across the supply chain will be critical to the long-term outlook for both Scottish agriculture and Scotch Whisky.

The calls for stronger collaboration came at the SWA’s ‘From Soil to Scotch: Growing a Resilient Supply Chain’ reception at the 2026 Royal Highland Show on 19 June. Featuring a presentation from the International Barley Hub and a panel discussion between NFU Scotland, the SWA and industry members, the event explored how the supply chain can work together to build long-term resilience.

Ruth Piggin, Industry Sustainability Director at the Scotch Whisky Association, said: “As a key component in the whisky-making process, a resilient grain supply is fundamental to the future success of our industry. With climate change increasing pressure on both farmers and the Scotch Whisky industry to maintain a strong supply of quality cereals, collaboration across the supply chain has never been more important as we look to address shared challenges and build a resilient future from grain to glass.

“We are proud to continue our work in partnership the Scottish cereals supply chain and continuing those conversations at the Royal Highland Show.”

Duncan Macalister, Vice President of NFU Scotland, added: “Malting barley and distilling grain are vital ingredients for Scotch whisky, an iconic Scottish product. The grain grown by our members for these important markets underpins one of our most successful global industries, supporting jobs and economic activity in communities across the country.

“Increasing unpredictably - from weather conditions to changes in the global economy - has made whisky production more difficult for businesses right across the supply chain. This has been very challenging for our members who grow Scotch whisky's raw ingredients. Dialogue and collaboration across the supply chain is more important than ever. Farmers, maltsters, and distillers must work together to strengthen resilience, support sustainable cereal production, and help secure a thriving future from grain to glass.”

Gillian Martin MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs, said: “Scotland's reputation for producing world-class products like Scotch Whisky begins with the strength of our agricultural sector and extends throughout the supply chain. As climate change continues to impact our environment, all sectors must work together to adapt and build on that success.

“The work being led by the Scotch Whisky industry to bring stakeholders together around the shared ambition of future resilience is exactly the kind of partnership needed to strengthen future security, support communities and strengthen Scotland's economy.”

For more information on cereals for Scotch Whisky, click here