Scotland Posts Record Year for Food and Drink Exports

Food and drink exports from Scotland grew by £421 million in 2016, to a record £5.5 billion.

The latest figures show an 8% increase in the value of exports to Scotland’s successful food and drink sector over the past year. 

The figures also show that:

• Food exports alone grew by 22% to £1.5 billion.
• The fish and seafood category recorded the largest overall increase of £156 million (up 26%), with Europe the leading export destination. 
• Exports to EU countries were worth £2.3 billion overall, up £133 million last year.
• Scotch Whisky exports grew by £153 million (up 4%) to over £4 billion in 2016.

These figures come ahead of the launch of a new industry strategy on 23 March, which will outline plans to support and grow the sector to 2030.

Rural Economy Secretary, Fergus Ewing, said:

“Since this government came into office the value of food exports has more than doubled.  Food and drink is now one of the standout success stories in our economy, increasing growth and supporting jobs across the country. 

“Our produce has an excellent reputation around the world and it’s clear 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 £2.3 billion 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.”

James Withers, Chief Executive of Scotland Food & Drink, said:

"The latest export figures are fantastic news and a new high for Scottish food and drink.  This industry is Scotland's fastest growing major sector. Yet we have huge ambitions to grow further.

"We are clear we want to internationalise our food industry, following in the footsteps of our greatest export, Scotch Whisky.  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.

"The game changer has been developing a national brand for Scottish produce in export markets, with industry and government working hand in hand to invest in overseas trade experts and activity.  If we now further deepen that work, this success story has much further to go."

Susan Beattie, Head of Food & Drink at Scottish Development International, said:

“These excellent export figures reflect the hard work and dedication of Scottish food and drink businesses and strong consumer demand across the world for their high quality premium products.  We’re pleased to play our part in supporting these companies to grow in the top prospect markets identified in the Scotland Food and Drink Export Plan. 

“A key part of this support is the SF&D team of in-market specialists who are opening doors with leading retailers and foodservice organisations, identifying business opportunities which companies are actively following up on.”

Scotland Food and Drink Exports, 2016 and 2015, £m

	2016	2015	2015-2016 £m Change	2015-2016 % Change
Live Animals	66	38	29	76%
Meat	72	65	7	11%
Dairy & Eggs	59	87	-29	-33%
Fish & Seafood	759	603	156	26%
Cereals	209	180	30	17%
Fruit & Vegetables	68	63	5	8%
Sugar & Honey	16	9	7	86%
Tea & Coffee	48	48	-0	-1%
Animal Feed	153	95	58	61%
Miscellaneous	51	46	5	12%
Total Food & Live Animals	1,502	1,234	268	22%
Drink[1]	4,002	3,849	153	4%
Total Food & Drink	5,504	5,083	421	8%

[1] Drink exports are defined as exports of Scotch whisky from the UK as per SFD target.

Source: Scottish Government