Scotland’s Food & Drink Exports Reach Record High

Last year, Food and Drink exports from Scotland reached a record £5.5bn, according to government figures.

A noteworthy growth in sales of Scottish Whiskey and seafood exports rose £421m (8%) in 2016.

To the European Union (EU) countries, exports were £2.3bn, up £133m. According to the Scottish government, European markets have their own significance.

From 2015, whiskey exports rose 4% (worth £153m) to reach a high of £4bn. Similarly, fish and seafood sales were up from £156m to £759m, adding £603m to the revenues.

Fergus Ewing, Rural Economy Secretary, said: “Since this government came into power, the value of food exports has more than doubled. In our economy, Food and Drink is now one of the standout success stories, increasing growth and supporting employment across the country”.

"Our production has a tremendous reputation across the globe and it's clear that the industry is going from strength to strength. The increased collaboration between industry and public sector, and the Food and Drink Export Plan, are helping this by identifying opportunities to support businesses and breaking down the barriers to trade.

"These figures show the importance of retaining access to the vital European markets, which are currently worth £2.3bn to the sector and represent our largest export market.

"We shouldn't have to face the choice between remaining as part of the UK and the EU single market. The pursuit of a hard Brexit is a major threat to this success and these figures show why we must work to protect Scotland's place in Europe.

"Scotland's Food and Drink sector is in fantastic health, and next week's strategy launch will outline how we plan to support the industry to build upon this success and further grow the sector to 2030."

‘Enormous Desires’

James Withers, the Chief Executive of Scotland Food & Drink termed the latest export figures “fantastic news” and a new high for Scottish Food and Drink”.

He further added, “This industry is Scotland's fastest-growing major sector. Yet we have huge ambitions to grow further.

"We’re clear we want to internationalize our food industry, following in the footsteps of our greatest export, Scotch Whiskey. We have now doubled food exports since 2007, transforming the level of trade in growing markets like Asia.

"That is crucial to extend our footprint beyond just Europe, which is still the destination for over 70% of our food exports.