Whisky and salmon ‘show resilience’

An increase in salmon and whisky exports has shown the resilience of Scotland’s foodand-drink industry, ministers have said.

Fresh Atlantic salmon worth £483 million was exported from the UK during the first three quarters of this year.

Rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing said the figure was a 56 per cent increase on the same period in 2016.

HMRC statistics showed Scotch whisky exports were worth more than £3 billion during the same three-quarter period in 2017 – a 11 per cent increase on last year.

Mr Ewing said: “Scottish whisky and Scottish salmon are iconic products, representing everything that is great about Scottish produce.

“These figures reflect the strength and resilience of our food and drink industry, the potential it has to grow and highlights the importance of Scotland’s continued access to the European single market. In the first three quarters of 2017, £483m worth of fresh Atlantic salmon was exported from the UK, representing a 56 per cent increase in value worth £172m compared to the same period in 2016.

“We will continue to work with industry to develop new and existing markets and in line with Scotland’s Food and Drink 2030 ambition, we will continue to focus on key markets, boost innovation, focus on skills and support local producers.”