Exports continue to grow

Overseas Scottish food and drink exports were worth £4.3 billion in the first nine months of 2017, an increase of almost £500 million compared to the same period last year.

Food exports were valued at about £1.2 billion increasing by 20% – around £200 million more than the same period in 2016. Exports to Europe were worth £806 million after an increase of 18%, or £126 million. 

Fish and seafood accounted for the majority of food exports and were worth about  £694 million, up 32% from last year. Drink exports also increased by around £300 million compared to 2016 figures.

Rural Economy Fergus Ewing welcomed the increase. He said:

“I’m delighted that our successful food and drink sector is continuing to show very encouraging export growth this year.

“With more than 40% of our produce heading to the EU, it is clear that Scotland’s continued place in the single market is vital to the strength and success of the sector and the future of our economy.

“We will continue to work with industry and partners to develop new and existing markets in line with the industry-led Ambition 2030 strategy. Collectively, we will focus on key markets, boost innovation, address skills needs and support local producers to realise ambitious plans to double the value of the industry to £30 billion by 2030.”

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

“Today’s announcement is again great news for Scotland’s food and drink sector and demonstrates the increasing  global demand for Scotland’s world-renowned quality produce. 

“Working closely with export partners and our team of in-market specialists and trade advisors we are all focussed on helping even more Scottish companies open up new overseas opportunities and today’s figures are testament to the strength and ambition of our amazing food and drink companies.”

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

"This is yet another strong set of export results for the food and drink industry, demonstrating that demand for our products across the globe shows no sign of slowing down. With Scotch Whisky seeing continued growth, it is particularly pleasing to see food exports following in its footsteps, up 20% with increases across multiple sectors and in key markets across the world.

"There is no doubt that Scottish producers face some uncertainties. But as we strive towards the vision set out in Ambition 2030 to double the size of the industry to £30bn by 2030, the continued overseas demand for high quality Scottish products with a strong provenance, combined with our team on the ground in our target markets, provides a solid platform to build on."

Background

Table 1: Scotland Food and Drink Exports, Q1-Q3 2017, Q1-Q3 2016,  £m

	Q1-Q3 2017	Q1-Q3 2016	£m Change	% Change
Live Animals	34.4	47.1	-12.7	-27%
Meat	70.9	68.7	2.2	3%
Dairy & Eggs	38.4	35.1	3.4	10%
Fish & Seafood	694.4	527.2	167.2	32%
Cereals	130.7	132.2	-1.4	-1%
Fruit & Vegetables	34.6	33.5	1.1	3%
Sugar & Honey	18.7	13.3	5.4	41%
Tea & Coffee	15.1	11.4	3.7	32%
Animal Feed	124.9	98.1	26.9	27%
Miscellaneous	30.2	26.1	4.1	16%
Total Food & Live Animals	1,192.4	992.6	199.8	20%
Drink*	3,077.1	2,780.0	297.1	11%
Total Overseas	4,269.5	3,772.6	496.9	13%

Source: HMRC Trade Statistics

* Drink exports are defined as exports of Scotch whisky from the UK as per SFD target. 

Table 2: Scotland Food and Drink Exports, by Region, Q1-Q3 2017, Q1-Q3 2016,  £m

	Q1-Q3 2017	Q1-Q3 2016	£m Change	% Change
European Community	1,774.1	1,550.5	223.6	14%
Asia and Oceania	850.1	741.4	108.7	15%
Eastern Europe	21.4	15.5	6.0	39%
Latin America & Caribbean	254.1	242.7	11.4	5%
Middle East & N Africa	219.4	201.6	17.8	9%
North America	898.8	787.4	111.4	14%
Sub-Saharan Africa	139.3	127.3	12.0	9%
Western Europe exc EC	112.4	106.3	6.1	6%
Total Overseas	4,269.5	3,772.6	496.9	13%

Source: HMRC Trade Statistics