According to the Scottish government, Scotch whisky exports from the UK were valued at £4.36 billion in 2017 – up 9% (£356.3 million) compared to 2016.
Meanwhile, salmon exports grew to £600 million in 2017 – up 35% (£155.5 million) compared to 2016.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing 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.”
The data also reveals that Europe continues to be the top export market for salmon and Scotch whisky in terms of both value and volume.
Karen Betts, chief of the Scotch Whisky Association, added: “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.”
IMAGE CREDIT: Alvimann on Morguefile.com
