3 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish food and drink exports six times England per head
English exports of food and drink totalled £12.1 billion, which is equivalent to £212 per person.
While highlighting the strength of Scottish food and drink exports, the SNP claimed Brexit and Labour's trade policy had thrown up 'unnecessary barriers' and were stopping the sector from achieving its full potential.
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Scottish firms exported food and drink to a total of 107 countries in 2024, the research shows.
Scotch whisky exports account for a large part of the nation's overseas sales of food and drink.
The SNP, declaring the per head of population comparison showed 'Scotland's world-leading position in quality and reputation', said: 'The figures highlight the huge international demand for Scottish produce, from our world-famous whisky and seafood to meat and dairy.'
However, it added that 'decisions made by successive UK governments - including Brexit and Labour's trade policy - are placing unnecessary barriers in front of this success and preventing the industry from reaching its full potential'.
SNP MSP Emma Harper said: 'These figures are a huge credit to Scotland's food and drink producers, who continue to punch well above their weight internationally.
'Our whisky, seafood, meat and dairy products are world famous and clearly still in high demand around the globe.'
She added: 'Instead of being held back by Westminster's Brexit blunders and one-size-fits-all trade deals, an independent Scotland could negotiate on our own terms, rejoin the EU single market, and support our exporters directly.
'Scotland's food and drink sector is thriving despite the barriers put in its way. With independence, we could remove those barriers and truly unleash our global potential.'
