Record levels of salmon and whisky exports
New figures for 2017 have shown that Scotch whisky and salmon exports continue to grow at record levels.
In 2017, Scotch whisky exports from the UK were valued at £4.36 billion, up 9% (£3.56 million) compared to 2016. Salmon exports grew to £600m in 2017, up 35% (£155.5m) 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 Ewin, comments, “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 £2bn 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, says, “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.”
Karen Betts, CEO of the Scotch Whisky Association, adds, “These encouraging figures show how popular Scotch whisky is right around the world. Already a strong export, loved for its sophistication, diversity and provenance, it’s great to see Scotch continuing to grow in established and new markets. Scotch whisky is not just a core part of Scotland’s national identity and heritage, it is also a fundamental part of our export economy.”