Fife-produced whisky joined the Ryder Cup on the Chinese stage to sell Scotland’s national drink and golf to new customers around the world.
Johnnie Walker, made by Diageo in Leven and Glasgow, has teamed up with the transatlantic golf competition coming to Gleneagles next year to promote two of the country’s greatest global exports to China.
First Minister Alex Salmond welcomed the trophy to Johnnie Walker House, in Beijing, on Sunday night where it will be on display this week to promote Scotland and the 2014 Ryder Cup.
Both Scotch whisky and golf are growing in popularity in China.
Mr Salmond said: “The love for Scotch whisky in China continues to grow. In 2012, exports to China were valued at £71.5 million, representing a 70% increase since 2007, and the presence of such a fantastic, iconic venue as Johnnie Walker House in Beijing is a true testament to that popularity.
“The Ryder Cup at Gleneagles next year is one of Scotland’s many opportunities to shine on a global stage, and I am delighted that the tournament trophy is also here in Beijing promoting Scotland and this great game.”
Johnnie Walker global brand director Gavin Pike said: “We are very proud to have the Ryder Cup trophy on display at the Johnnie Walker House in Beijing.”
The number of Chinese visitors to Diageo’s Scotch whisky distilleries more than doubled between 2009 and 2013, from 536 to 1289.
The Beijing Johnnie Walker House opened in December, following the success of a similar embassy in Shanghai.
A third has been launched in Seoul, South Korea.