Scottish Government
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Japan’s growing appetite

Major increase in Scottish food and drink exports to Japan.

Scottish food and drink exports to Japan have surged by ten per cent in just one year to more than £90 million, Scotland’s External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop revealed yesterday.

New Scottish Government analysis of export figures shows that a growing appetite for Scotch whisky and cereal goods in Japan has fuelled a significant increase in the value of Scottish food and drink exports to the country – worth £90.3 million in 2014 compared with £81.9 million the previous year.

Speaking from Nagasaki where tonight she will showcase Scottish produce to Japanese hoteliers, chefs and retailers to celebrate the Year of Food and Drink, Ms Hyslop said:

“The significant rise in Scotland’s food and drinks exports to Japan shows the country has a huge appetite for our produce. We’ve seen a ten per cent rise in food and drink exports to Japan in just one year – and since 2007 we’ve experienced growth of 74 per cent, driven mainly by a rising demand for Scotch whisky.

“Further increasing our food and drink offering in Japan is a priority for the Scottish Government. We want more of our friends in Japan to enjoy and experience Scotland’s fantastic larder, which boasts some of the best natural produce in the world.

“That’s why we have recruited an in-market food specialist to work with Scottish Development International to promote Scotland’s Food and Drink in the country, and we are working hard to showcase the unrivalled provenance of our products; our unspoilt landscapes, fertile land and clean air; our skilled, flexible and committed workforce; and our understanding of the growing demand for health-enhancing, functional and premium foods.

“I look forward to seeing more of our world-class produce in Japan’s stores and on its menus.”

Notes To Editors

Japan is now Scotland’s 18th largest food and drink export market, worth £90.3m million in 2014, up 10 per cent from 2013.

Scotch whisky increased by 8 per cent to £64.06 million, making Japan Scotland’s 19th largest market for whisky.

Japanese food exports increased 18 per cent in 2014 to £26.3m, with cereals (bakery) the largest sub sector.

Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop will be in Japan from June 29 – July 2, 2015. Her programme is being delivered by SDI and the Scottish Government and builds on previous visits to the country by the Finance Secretary John Swinney and Food and Drink Secretary Richard Lochhead. http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Stronger-Links-to-Japan-19e2.aspx

Ms Hyslop will speak at tonight’s event in Nagasaki, hosted by Scottish Development International and bringing together around 40 hoteliers, chefs, retailers and representatives of the marine energy sector to sample and hear more about Scotland’s iconic food and drink. The event forms part of 2015: The Year of Food and Drink.

 

Channel website: http://www.gov.scot/

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