Scotch to benefit from global export scheme

Scotch sales could receive a global boost as a new scheme launches to enhance the international reputation of Scottish food and drink.

A £4.5m scheme launched to boost global exports of Scottish food and drink holds promise for the Scotch whisky industry

Created by the Scottish Government in collaboration with industry experts, the £4.5 million Scotland Food and Drink Export Plan will focus on pushing Scottish exports in 15 key markets.

Though the scheme aims to put other Scottish-made products on par with the booming Scotch whisky segment, the industry itself is likely to benefit in return.

Scotland’s overseas food and drink exports increased by 52% between 2007 and 2012, with Scotch whisky exports rocketing 87% between 2002 and 2012 to £4.3 billion.

However, this new plan aims to boost sales further, deploying a team of “global experts” in its seven highest priority markets: North America, France, Germany, the Middle East, China and Hong Kong, Japan and South East Asia.

The partnership consists of the Scottish Government, Scotland Food & Drink, Scotland Development International and the main exporting trade associations, which have drawn up the strategy together contributed towards the £4.5 million in funding.

Scotland’s food and drink secretary Richard Lochhead launched the plan in Edinburgh yesterday.

“From Beijing to Brussels, New Delhi to New York, Scotland’s food and drink is going global,” he said. “The sector has experienced tremendous growth in recent years – in fact, if the current rate of growth continues then we will have an export rate similar to that of the North Sea oil and gas industry.

“But we can do so much more. The quality and provenance of our food and drink is second to none and is a key selling point.

“We know there’s a massive global appetite for our premium, iconic products and now is the time to make the most of that and build the Scottish brand and reputation.”