Reset hopes after Scotland’s food & drink exports fall – Daily Business

Scotland’s food and drink exports continued to shrink last year as new data revealed its continuing importance to the economy.

Overseas sales in 2024 were £7.1 billion, down from £7.6bn in 2023 and the record £8bn in 2022 as the country recovered from the pandemic.

Research from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) shows that the current level of exports is more than six times the amount exported by England per head of population – £1,311 per person in Scotland against £212 from £12.1bn of exports from England.

This indicates a heavy weighting of the sector in Scotland’s economy, largely because of the dominance of the Scotch whisky and salmon industries.

A number of factors are regarded as influencing the fall in sales, including inflation and the impact of Brexit, though the recent UK-EU reset will remove a swathe of barriers that should make it easier to trade across the Channel.

Even before the latest rule changes, Scottish salmon producers were able to benefit from a “VIP lane” that by-passed delays at the Tunnel in order to get fresh product to markets, mainly in France.

Following the reset agreement, Salmon Scotland said reduced checks on food exports to the EU, would reduce costly delays and red tape that have cost salmon export companies an estimated £3 million a year since Brexit.

Tavish Scott, chief executive of the trade body, said: “This breakthrough eases the burden on our farmers, processors and the communities they support, and we welcome efforts to implement it at pace.”

Shevaun Haviland, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, described the removal of checks on food and drink exports in both directions as a huge boost that will cut costs, reduce waste and increase sales.

“Businesses do not need more politics, they need progress.” she said.

Commenting on the latest export data, 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.”