Seafood products dominate Scotland’s food and drink exports to China, the country’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed.
According to new figures published by the Scottish government, food and drink exports from Scotland to China were worth GBP 85 million (EUR 120.1 million; USD 132.6 million) to the Scottish economy in 2014, up 12 percent on the previous year. The trade has grown by 83 percent since 2007.
Seafood made up the bulk of exports with GBP 43 million (EUR 60.8 million; USD 67.1 million) worth of Scottish products being exported to China last year.
Whisky at GBP 39 million (EUR 55.1 million; USD 60.8 million), meat at GBP 1.4 million (EUR 2 million; USD 2.2 million) and cereals at GBP 1.1 million (EUR 1.6 million; USD 1.7 million) were the next best performing areas.
Fish and seafood has also experienced the biggest rise in exports since 2007 – up 953 percent.
“It’s easy to understand why exports of fish and seafood have soared since 2007 – the quality and taste of our premium produce is unrivalled. And the same goes for many of our products such as whisky. The guaranteed excellence and provenance of our food and drink is a magnificent selling point and one we are actively looking to build on,” said Sturgeon.
The Scottish leader has embarked upon a six-day visit to China, undertaking a number of visits and engagements in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, including hosting an “innovation showcase” for Scottish companies to meet with Chinese investors.
“Scotland serves up first class food and drink to countries across the world, with global exports worth a staggering GBP 5.1 billion (EUR 7.2 billion; USD 8 billion) in 2014,” she said.
“Emerging markets like China are actively looking at Scottish produce and these figures show a clear recognition that our produce is highly regarded and sought after.”
The country has recruited an in-market food specialist to work with Scottish Development International (SDI) to promote its food and drink in China. It has teams of specialists performing similar tasks in a number of other locations around the world.
“We know there’s a massive global appetite for our iconic products and we want to make the most of that and capitalize on the many opportunities open to our food and drink businesses,” said Sturgeon.
