Invite: Expert Access: Barclays: Understanding UK- India FTA impact on scotch with Ian Duddy - International Director at the Scotch Whisky Association

Research evidence excerpt

Invite: Expert Access: Barclays: Understanding UK- India FTA impact on scotch with Ian Duddy - International Director at the Scotch Whisky Association

The discussion will focus on the India FTA, including the magnitude of tariff

reductions, expected timing of implementation, and likely implications for pricing,

affordability and category growth. We will also assess how benefits may accrue

across the value chain — from bulk scotch to bottled scotch positioning to local

bottling strategies and route-to-market considerations.

In addition, we will examine recent US tariff changes, discussing their impact on trade

flows, pricing architecture and competitive positioning versus American whiskey and

other imported spirits.

Guest Speaker

Ian Duddy, International Director at the Scotch Whisky Association

Barclays Host

Laurence Whyatt, European Beverages

Meet the Speakers

Ian Duddy currently serves as International Director at the Scotch Whisky Association

(SWA), a role he assumed in April 2026. He is responsible for leading the Association’s

international engagement strategy, with a focus on enhancing market access and

supporting the long-term global growth of Scotch whisky.

He brings over 25 years of experience in senior government roles, spanning both the UK

Foreign Office and the Scottish Government. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive to

the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry, overseeing a high-profile public mandate.

Ian’s diplomatic career includes extensive international postings, notably in Argentina,

Afghanistan, and the UK Mission to the United Nations in Geneva. He was appointed British

Ambassador to Uruguay (2016–2020) and subsequently served as Interim Ambassador to

Chile (2020–2021).