FDBusiness.com

With overall food exports breaking the £1 billion mark for the first and whisky exports also at a record high, 2011 was a momentous year for Scotland’s food and drink industry. Combined food and drink exports reached an all-time high of £4.5 billion with whisky exports worth £3.45 billion.

The most popular food export from Scotland was fish and shellfish, worth £623 million. Scotch beef and lamb exports reached £100 million in 2011, for the first time since 1996. The top market for food and drink exports is France, followed by USA, Spain, Singapore and Germany.

“Despite a difficult economic environment in 2011, our food and drink sectors have exceeded all expectations and are now a huge success story,” comments Scottish Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead. “Exports are continuing to rise and we are committed to helping the industry deliver a 50 per cent increase in the value of exports by 2016. So it’s great news that there are a number of key growth markets – including China, South Africa and Poland – where exports of Scottish produce are seeing significant growth. Thanks to our quality ingredients, clean environment and passionate producers, Scotland is developing an enviable reputation for creating first-class products.”