Scottish food and drink exports during 2010 reached a record increase, with food exports alone breaking the £1 billion barrier for the first time ever, Scottish Development International (SDI) has announced.
Date:
Tue, 04 Oct 2011
Source:
SDI
SDI:
website
The figures which were taken from the HMRC export statistics for 2010 show that food exports grew by almost 14% to £1.06 billion, with the combined total international sales for Scottish food and Scotch whisky increasing by 11 percent to £4.51 billion during last year.
Scotch whisky sales have always provided strong support for the Scottish food and drink sector in international markets, and, as in previous years, Scotch whisky exports accounted for the lion’s share of the food and drink exports figure during 2010, standing at £3.45 billion (up 10 percent on 2009).
However, news that food exports have broken the £1 billion barrier for the first time is an extremely positive development, this shows an increasing international awareness and appreciation of the quality and provenance of Scottish food, and Scotland’s distinguished heritage as a food-producing nation.
The largest share of food exports was in the fish and seafood sector, with international sales hitting £620 million. This represents growth of 12 percent in terms of value compared with the previous year, and this result has been aided by a collaborative industry effort to boost overseas demand for Scottish fish and seafood, and in particular Scottish salmon.
Commenting, Anne MacColl, Chief Executive of Scottish Development International, said: “This fantastic result is testimony to the hard work of the indigenous food and drink industry and the growing international perception of Scotland as a world-leading producer of high quality food and drink.
“We are very proud of this reputation and this is something we are continuing to nurture through our ongoing contact with some of the world’s leading food and drink buyers, with whom we meet regularly via our network of overseas trade and investment offices.”
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