Scottish food and drink exports hit record high

Food and drink exports from Scotland reached a record high of £6.3 billion last year, driven higher by surging whisky sales.

By HANNAH BURLEY Thursday, 14th March 2019, 6:11 pm Updated Thursday, 14th March 2019, 6:17 pm

Whisky exports offset dips in other sectors, accounting for three-quarters of Scotlands total. Picture: Colin Hattersley

Exports rose by £293 million in 2018, a 4.9 per cent increase year on year, according to HMRC figures.

Whisky accounted for three-quarters of Scotland’s total, up by 7.8 per cent to £4.7bn, which offset a slight decrease across other sectors.

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Food exports have grown 125 per cent since 2007.

Around two-thirds of food exports go to the European Union.

James Withers, chief executive of trade industry association Scotland Food and Drink, said: “The latest figures demonstrate how valuable the EU market is. Our future strategy must rest on building our trade with Europe even further.