French appetite for Scottish food
But it wasn't just France where Scottish produce dished up export success. The top markets for Scottish food exports in 2010 were:
France - £275.7 million
Irish Republic - £98.2 million
Spain - £86.8million
Germany - £72.9 million
Italy - £68.6 million
Fish exports continue to account for the majority of food exports from Scotland (59 per cent in 2010).
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "I believe the quality of food and drink that Scotland has to offer is truly second to none and it's great news that, increasingly, our produce is cultivating an impressive reputation overseas.
"2010 was a record year for food and drink exports and there's every sign that 2011 will be similarly successful. Figures for the first half of 2011 show that for both food and drink exports are higher than ever before and on track for another record year. For the first time ever, food and drink exports broke the £2 billion mark in the first six months of a year.”
Chief executive of Scottish Development International, Anne MacColl, said:"We have been working in partnership with industry organisations to encourage Scottish food and drink companies to become more internationally ambitious, and to proactively target new markets.
"In the last year we have led delegations of Scottish companies to major international trade shows such as the European Seafood Exposition (Brussels), the Boston Seafood Show (Boston), Gulfood (Dubai), SIAL (Paris) and Summer Fancy Foods (New York) and as a result of this activity, the international profile of our food and drink industry has benefited significantly.
