The value of Scottish food and drink exports to Japan has surged to almost £100 million, strongly supported by Scotch whisky, external affairs secretary Fiona Hyslop said on Wednesday.

The latest available export figures show Scotland’s food and drink sales to Japan rose by 9% to a record £98.7 million in 2015, compared with £90.3 million in 2014 and £51.63 million in 2007.

Whisky exports account for 77% of the total, with seafood making up 16.71%.

“Scotland has a fantastic larder of some of the world’s best natural produce, a flair for innovation and a longstanding reputation for producing top quality food and drink – so it is no surprise our food and drink industry is enjoying significant success in the Japanese market,” said Hyslop while visiting the first ever Scottish food and drink fair at the Isetan Shinjuku Store in Tokyo.

“A growing appetite in Japan for our whisky has supported a strong surge in the value of food and drinks exports to almost £100 million – the highest on record.

“We are committed to building on this success and strengthening relationships with major food distributors and retailers across Japan.”