Richard Lochhead welcomes record food exports

Scotland’s food exports have hit a record high, with 2014 seeing the total value reaching £1.1 bn.

Figures show food exports rose by 3.5 per cent, driven primarily by an increase in fish and seafood, which was up £38m. Combined with drink exports the industry is worth £5.1bn to Scotland’s economy.

The Scottish Government found the top international destination for Scottish food and drink produce is the US, which receives £800m in exports from Scotland, followed by France, worth £734m.

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Spain has become the third biggest export market, worth £247m per year. Germany and Singapore were ranked fourth and fifth.

The largest share of food exports was in the fish and seafood sector, with international sales hitting £613m – up 6.6 per cent on 2014.

Richard Lochhead responded to the figures, saying: “We are now seeing a rise in the popularity of Scottish produce in emerging markets – in China for example, we’ve witnessed a massive increase of 82 per cent in food exports, with overall value now up to £46m, evidence that the Chinese appreciate great Scottish seafood and meat.

“Our fish and seafood exports have soared, with sales hitting £613m – up 6.6 per cent on 2013 – due to an increase in exports to Asia and Oceania, the EU and Sub-Saharan Africa.”

Food exports to China increased by 82 per cent to £46m, primarily due to a 92 per cent increase in exports of fish and seafood.

Susan Beattie, head of food and drink at Scottish Development International, said: "These figures show some really positive growth in particular markets as we start to widen our export base beyond Europe, and broaden the range of food products being exported.

"The results in key markets such as the Middle East illustrate strong demand for our premium produce – Scottish salmon and seafood has been particularly successful, and there is still a huge opportunity for other food and drink products.”