FOOD and drink exports from Scotland rose to a record £5.5 billion last year, Government figures show.
Significant growth in sales of seafood and whisky helped exports increase by £421 million – eight per cent – in 2016.
Exports to EU countries were worth £2.3 billion overall, up £133 million, and underline the importance of access to European markets, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said in Aberdeen.
Whisky exports alone were worth £4 billion, up £153 million (four per cent) from 2015. Fish and seafood sales were valued at £759 million, up from £603 million.
Ewing said: "Since this Government came into office, the value of food exports has more than doubled. Food and drink is now one of the standout success stories in our economy, increasing growth and supporting jobs across the country."
Adding: "These figures show the importance of retaining access to the vital European markets, which are currently worth £2.3 billion to the sector, and represent our largest export market.
"We shouldn't have to face the choice between remaining as part of the UK and the EU single market. The pursuit of a hard Brexit is a major threat to this success and these figures show why we must work to protect Scotland's place in Europe."
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