Scotland.- Scotch whisky and salmon exports continue to grow at record levels, new figures for 2017 have shown. Salmon exports grew to £600 million in 2017, up 35% (£155.5 million) compared to 2016.
The figures also show that Europe continues to be the top export market for salmon and Scotch whisky in terms of both value and volume.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing welcomed the figures. He said:
“These figures show that demand for Scotland’s world-renowned food and drink continues not only to grow, but to soar.
“We have long been proud of our award-winning salmon and whisky sectors. Today’s outstanding figures are a result of remarkable products and of sectors working together to create a national brand with a global reputation, underpinned by the Scotland Food and Drink Export Plan.
“We will continue to do all we can to support and protect our food and drink sector, which faces growing uncertainty in the labour and export markets as a result of Brexit, which poses a direct threat to this success by removing Scotland from the world’s biggest single market, and its consumer base of almost half a billion people.
“In addition 10,000 EU nationals work in our food and drink industry, which exports more than £2 billion to Europe through the single market each year.
“While these figures are something to celebrate, it is a stark reminder of what is at stake if we are taken out of this important market.”
Scott Landsburgh, Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO) Chief Executive said:
“The demand for Scottish salmon continues to grow in recognition of its taste, quality and provenance and these are key drivers for growth in the USA, EU and Asian markets. This record-breaking export success is a tribute to all those who work in salmon farming and is a further reminder of the importance of salmon to the Scottish economy and food and drink sector.”
Source: Scottish Government
