Expanding Scotland’s trade markets

30 Jan 2026 02:42 PM

A new report highlights the success of Scottish companies which attended the world expo in Japan, generating orders for sectors including offshore wind, gaming, health technology and consumer products.

Business delegations to Scotland Day showcase events at Expo 2025 Osaka have reported £23 million in sales through immediate export orders as well as forecast sales over the next three years.

A total of 43 Scottish companies went to Japan to attend events organised by the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise. An evaluation report published today outlines the benefits to business, which will help to create more jobs and grow Scotland’s economy.

Overseas trade missions are part of the Scottish Government’s Six Point Export Plan, which responds to global economic uncertainty to build on support through Scotland’s export growth plan A Trading Nation.

Business Minister Richard Lochhead visited Brave New Spirits, an award-winning independent bottler and blender of Scotch whisky based in Glasgow which gained £4 million in orders over the next three years from Expo Osaka.

Mr Lochhead said:

“In an increasingly volatile global economy, it is vital that we help Scottish companies access new markets and deepen existing trading relationships. Scotland is open for business and the events we held in Japan demonstrated that we have the skills, technology and opportunities in a range of emerging industries.

“The Scotch whisky industry is vital to Scotland’s economy and culture, with exports worth £5.4 billion a year, and we will continue to work closely with the sector to support it through current challenges.

“Whisky exports to Japan went up 7% last year, making it the seventh largest global market. Brave New Spirits has shown how effective a Team Scotland approach can be to grasping opportunities in international markets.”

Brave New Spirits Export Director Tomek Weselik said:

“After the Osaka trade mission our turnover with Japan nearly doubled. We signed contracts with one of the largest supermarket chains in the country as well as a chain of high premium shops. Japan is one of the most important markets for Brave New Spirits and we have been introduced by Scottish Enterprise to buyers from a major hotel group and hope to start doing business in this new sector this year.

“Presenting our Scotch Whiskies at the Osaka Expo expanded our distribution network. The support from Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise was invaluable, and we welcome further support for Scottish businesses via support with trade negotiations and exhibitions in new export markets.”

Scottish Enterprise Director of Global Trade David McPhee said:

“Success stories such Expo 2025 really highlight the value of our Team Scotland approach. By bringing innovative and ambitious Scottish companies to global markets we can showcase our enviable capabilities in growing industries, delivering tangible benefits for Scotland’s economy.

“Despite recent challenges, international demand for Scottish goods, products and services remains strong and we’re committed to helping Scottish businesses build the networks they need to continue growing internationally.”

Background

Read the evaluation report in full.

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, took place from April to October 2025, attracting around 28 million visitors from more than 150 countries. In April, Mr Lochhead supported a delegation of Scottish firms in Japan from the gaming sector as well as consumer-focused businesses including distilleries, skincare companies and seafood specialists. Health Secretary Neil Gray led a delegation in June to a health technology showcase event. In September, Energy Secretary Gillian Martin supported the offshore wind showcase.

Brave New Spirits was established in 2020 and employs more than 30 staff. It produces whiskies and provides labelling, cask and bottling services worldwide. The company is currently building Witchburn Distillery in Campbeltown which will be the first newly-built distillery in the region for more than 100 years, and also one of the most sustainable and technologically advanced with no reliance on fossil fuels. Working extensively with the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, Brave New Spirits has also attended trade missions to the USA, and liaises regularly with a network of in-market specialists across Europe, Asia, Canada and America.