Home  Latest News SDI reveals record exports for Scottish food and drink
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SDI reveals record exports for Scottish food and drink |
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 Scotland food and drink industry is booming, with the latest figures showing a record increase in exports, with overseas sales reaching an all-time high of just over £4 billion last year.
The news comes as a huge boost for industry leadership group Scotland Food and Drink, which recently unveiled a new strategy for the food and drink industry, setting out plans to grow Scottish food and drink exports to £5.1 billion by 2017.
A recent study from Scottish Development International (SDI) shows that international sales of Scottish food products soared by 20% to £934 million, while combined total international sales for Scottish food and drink increased by 6% to £4.06 billion.
Seafood exports led the way, with international sales in this sector increasing by 20% to £555 million. This result has been assisted by the burgeoning overseas demand for Scottish salmon – fresh, frozen and smoked - which enjoyed total export sales valued at £285 million due to an increasing global appreciation for the product’s premium taste, quality and character.
Other notable figures are as follows:
The top three markets for Scottish food and drink were the USA, France and Spain, with total sales to the USA up by 6%. In the drinks category, Scotch whisky exports grew by 3% in value to £3.13 billion.
For Scottish food products, Europe was the main destination with France, Ireland and Spain listed as the top three export markets. Total export sales to France alone grew by a massive 24% in 2009.
Other exports markets which experienced a significant uplift in food sales include the Netherlands (up 41% to £41 million) and Germany (up by 43% to £56 million) supported by strong dairy exports and Russia, up by 24% to £54million, supported by strong seafood sales.
The strong international demand for Scottish food and drink is partly thanks to a drive on provenance by Scottish manufacturers, which believe the rising demand for genuine, original Scottish produce presents a huge opportunity for the food and drink industry.
David Smith, interim chief executive of SDI, said: “The combination of sustained growth in existing markets and strong interest in Scottish produce from emerging markets means that our food and drink exports have continued to soar.
“This strong performance is testimony to the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of Scottish manufacturers plus the quality of what they produce.
“If we can achieve such impressive growth with only 29% of Scottish businesses currently involved in international activity, I am very excited by the potential of what could be achieved if we can engage more companies in export activity."
Paul McLaughlin, chief executive of Scotland Food & Drink, added: "It's encouraging to hear that Scottish food and drink exports have continued to grow during the last year, particularly given the tough economic climate in which Scottish manufacturers were operating.
“This achievement is testimony to the ambition, determination and tenacity of our industry, coupled with the quality and the depth of support provided by SDI. We have set ambitious growth targets for Scottish food and drink exports, and are fully committed to working with our partners to achieve this."
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