Scottish food and drink exports to Asia grew by £72 million or 7% in 2016 to just over £1 billion, the Scottish Government said.

Latest statistics show:

• Food exports to Asia grew 41% to £160 million
• Scotch whisky exports to Asia increased by £25 million or 3% to £895 million
• Dairy and eggs and fruit and vegetable exports to Asia improved by 71% and 28% respectively
• Fish and seafood exports to Asia were worth £66.5 million – up 16%

Susan Beattie, head of food and drink at Scottish Development International said: “Asia continues to be a priority under the Scotland Food and Drink Export Plan.

“The team of in-market specialists in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan are helping Scottish companies access new opportunities in this dynamic market on a daily basis opening doors to leading retailers and food service organisations.

“The recent export figures demonstrate strong consumer demand  across this rapidly growing region for Scotland’s high quality premium food and drink  products.”

James Withers, chief executive of Scotland Food & Drink said: “The impressive growth in food and drink exports to Asia reflects the hard work on our industry Export Plan.

“Out of ten priority export markets, we currently have food and drink specialists based in four of them – China, Hong Kong, Japan and across Singapore and Thailand.

“There is still great potential for further growth of Scottish food exports, especially our renowned fish and seafood, into Asian markets which account for nearly a quarter of Scotch Whisky sales.”