Scotland Food & Drink celebrates 10 years of Export Programme success
Scotland Food & Drink is marking the 10th anniversary of its export programme, an innovative and transformative initiative that has expanded the global presence of Scotland’s premium food and drink products.
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Scotland Food & Drink is marking the 10th anniversary of its export programme, an innovative and transformative initiative that has expanded the global presence of Scotland’s premium food and drink products.
Launched in partnership between the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership, Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, the programme places export specialists in key international markets as well as trade specialists based in Scotland.
Supported by Scotland Food & Drink, AHDB, Opportunity North East (ONE), Salmon Scotland, Scottish Enterprise's international arm Scottish Development International, Seafood Scotland, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), and the Scottish Government, the specialists at home and overseas have been instrumental in helping Scottish producers break into new markets and grow their international presence.
A decade of export growth
Since its inception, the programme has become a cornerstone of Scotland’s Export Plan. With in-market specialists (IMS) embedded in countries such as the United States, France, and China, the programme has connected hundreds of Scottish producers to international markets, driving export growth, market diversification, and revenue increases for businesses across Scotland.
Supported with continued funding and support from the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, the IMS network has been instrumental in bolstering Scotland’s exports. Since 2014 when the project was established, the value of Scottish food and drink exports has increased by 46%, from £4.9bn to £7.2bn in 2023.
Last year alone, food exports alone grew to £2.0 billion—a £36 million increase from the previous year. With exports worth more than £1.3 billion last year, the EU remains a crucial market for Scottish exports, with France valued as the largest single market at £690 million.
Globally, the programme has also played a key role in breaking down traditional export barriers, enabling Scottish producers to adapt to unique market demands. Scotland’s diverse range of premium products—from artisan cheeses and premium spirits to sustainably sourced seafood—continues to captivate global consumers.
Established and emerging markets
Scotland’s food and drink exports have demonstrated remarkable adaptability over the past decade, finding success across diverse markets worldwide. Europe remains a cornerstone for sectors such as seafood, beef, and lamb, with its proximity and established relationships driving sustained growth.
At the same time, Scotland’s reputation in premium markets has grown significantly further afield. Taiwan, for example, climbed from 8th place in 2013 to 4th in 2023, while Japan and China have joined Scotland’s Top 10 export destinations by value, reflecting the rise of demand in Asia. Emerging markets like Indonesia also show promise, highlighting Scotland’s readiness to seize future opportunities.
By balancing its focus across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East, Scotland ensures it remains resilient in a shifting global landscape. While export performance offers a snapshot of current success, it’s the forward-looking strategy and commitment to market diversification that continue to strengthen Scotland’s global presence.
The Next Chapter
As the export programme looks to the future, it remains committed to empowering Scottish producers, fostering sustainability, and driving innovation in international trade. By continuing to build connections between local suppliers and global buyers, the programme will further enhance Scotland’s reputation for quality, provenance, and sustainability.
Reflecting on a decade of success, the programme is set to unlock new opportunities for Scottish food and drink businesses, ensuring Scotland’s distinctive products remain global favourites for years to come. As part of this commitment, we are launching the Prepare to Export – Food and Drink programme in January 2025. This six-week intensive course combines award-winning e-learning with virtual workshops, tailored to help ambitious companies grow internationally.
To find out more about the export programme, and other resources to support your business, please visit: https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/support-for-businesses/exports-and-international-markets.
