SCOTLAND’S food and drink exports increased by more than 11 per cent in the first quarter of this year, compared with the same period in 2016.
In the first three months of 2017, food and drink worth £1.2 billion was exported, an increase of £124 million on 2016.
The EU remains Scotland’s largest regional export market outside of the UK, with exports growing by £50m. The total food exports were valued at £371m — up £45.5m (14 per cent) on the first quarter of last year. Scotch whisky exports increased by £79m while fish and seafood — the largest food sector — grew by £48m. North America was the second largest export destination for food and drink, with the Asia and Oceania region third.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “2016 was a record year for Scotland’s food and drink exports and these new figures clearly show that the sector is going from strength to strength.
“Food exports have grown by 14 per cent on the same period last year, which is a testament to the fantastic work being undertaken in partnership with the industry. Scotch whisky and salmon were the top two UK export products.”
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