March 4, 2014

Amid growing global demand, the Scottish government has launched a £4.5 million (US$7.50 million) initiative to boost food and drink exports, according to Farmers Guardian.

With the launch of the Scotland Food and Drink Export Plan, the Scottish government will deploy a team of experts in seven highest-priority markets, including North America, France, Germany, the Middle East, China, Japan and South East Asia.

The strategy will see Scottish food and drink firms open up new opportunities and drive international sales.

Between 2007 and 2012, the total value of overseas food and drink exports from Scotland had increased by 52%.

Richard Lochhead, Rural Affairs Secretary of Scotland, commented: "From Beijing to Brussels, New Delhi to New York, Scotland's food and drink is going global."

"The sector has experienced tremendous growth in recent years - in fact, if the current rate of growth continues, then we will have an export rate similar to that of the North Sea oil and gas industry," he added.

Lochhead also said that demand for iconic and high-quality products, especially beef, was growing very strong.

"New opportunities and markets are opening up for Scottish food and drink businesses all the time. These new steps, married with our on-going work to break down trade barriers, will lay down golden foundations for our food and drink industry," he said.

James Withers, chief executive of Scotland Food and Drink, said that the plan would make a big step to internationalise the whole sector of Scotland's economy.