Seafood sales boost 2009 Scottish food exports

International sales of Scottish food products soared in 2009 with seafood exports leading the way, registering a 20% increase to GBP555 million (US$798 million), boosted by an overseas demand for Scottish salmon.

Reports from the Scottish Development International (SDI) published Thursday (May 20) show a 20% increase in Scottish food exports last year, with international sales reaching an all-time high of GBP934 million (US$1.34 billion), of which Scottish salmon accounted for 30.5% of total exports.

Europe was the main destination for Scottish food with France, Ireland and Spain listed as the top three export markets. Total export sales to France alone grew by 24% in 2009.

Other export markets that saw a rise in food sales include the Netherlands (up 41%) and Germany (up 43%), both supported by strong dairy exports, and Russia (up 24%), back by strong seafood sales.

David Smith, interim chief executive of SDI, said: "The combination of sustained growth in existing markets and strong interest in Scottish produce from emerging markets means that our food and drink exports have continued to soar.

"If we can achieve such impressive growth with only 29% of Scottish businesses currently involved in international activity, I am very excited by the potential of what could be achieved if we can engage more companies in export activity," he added.