Scotland's exports of beef and lamb surpass £80 million
The red meat exports from Scotland have risen by 9% in value and 4.3% in volume in the year ending August 2017, Jim McLaren, Chairman of QMS, announced during a reception held on the QMS stand at Anuga in Cologne, one of the largest food fairs in the world.
While the greatest volume of sales of beef and lamb from Scotland, almost 89%, was the result of trade with other EU countries, the biggest driver for growth was in exports to third countries.
Strong examples of this, said Mr. McLaren, were Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore, where four Scottish companies have been exporting during the past year.
Within the EU, the biggest markets for beef from Scotland remain France and Italy, according to the QMS figures. Looking at the countries which pay the greatest premium for beef from Scotland, Belgium leads the way in the EU, with Norway and Switzerland paying the most outwith the EU.
Looking only at beef from Scotland, the value of exports increased by over 12% year-on-year, with the volume increase of 3.4%, a clear indication of the influence of currency.
The biggest increase in export trade of beef from Scotland was to Germany and the Nordics which have increased by 53% and 46% respectively.
Mr. McLaren said it was vital that the Scottish industry continues to meet the demands of overseas markets for high-quality produce. However, he also drew attention to the importance of export markets in terms of optimising returns for the entire carcase.
“While there is demand from overseas customers for the very top end of quality products from Scotland there is also encouraging volume demand from overseas markets for fifth quarter and lower value products. This is important in terms of optimising returns for the whole carcase,” said Mr McLaren.
QMS’s export strategy in recent years has focused on developing opportunities in Germany and the Nordics, along with the existing well-established target markets of France, Italy and the Benelux.
Furthermore, the Chairman of QMS said that these figures should send a positive signal to Scottish exporters and those working in the wider red meat industry in Scotland.
“This strengthening of export demand is a very clear indication that, despite the on-going challenges of the global economy and the uncertainty generated by the Brexit negotiation process, overseas demand for Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI remains strong,” Mr. McLaren explained.
“We continue to focus on strengthening our relationships with our much-valued, long-established overseas customers who recognize all that sets our beef and lamb apart - from our quality assurance and animal welfare to our sustainability message. We will also continue to seek out and welcome new export opportunities,” added Mr. McLaren.
Photo Source: QMS
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