Seafood exports up

Food exports alone performed strongly, with a 20 per cent increase in sales overseas accounting for £934m, BBC News reports

The top three markets were the US, France and Spain, the news source stated.

Industry body Scottish Food and Drink, said it was now well on its way to its target of growing exports in the sector to £5.1bn by 2017.

Seafood exports increased by 20 per cent to £555m with total sales of fresh, frozen and smoked salmon reaching £285m.

Although Europe remained the biggest market, sales to Brazil rose by 44 per cent.

The amount of food and drink sent abroad over 2009 barely rose - up only 0.8 per cent.

These latest figures which report the value, suggest exporters are making more from their goods.