Scotland?s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Mr Richard Lochhead.
Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs announces visit to Gulfood as exports to Middle East continue to grow significantly
The Middle East is also emerging as a major market for Scottish produce generally with total trade valued at almost US$118 million in 2010. The latest figures show the region is now the largest market for smoked salmon outside the EU with an increase of 48% and worth US$4 million each year.
In publishing these figures, Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Mr Richard Lochhead, also confirmed his intention to visit the UAE for the 2012 Gulfood exhibition, which for the fourth year will boast a pavilion hosted by Scottish Development International (SDI).? The pavilion will include 14 exhibitors and organizations showcasing a range of internationally recognised Scottish goods and produce that are exported around the world.
Mr Lochhead said:? "These outstanding figures for the Middle East show that the region is now a key target market with huge potential value.? Not only is demand increasing significantly for Scottish goods and produce in this part of the world, but we are also seeing significant interest from regional investors into the sector.? Smoked salmon in particular is performing spectacularly well, reinforcing salmon's position as Scotland's largest food export."Key export figures from Scotland to the UAE are:
- Total Scottish food and drink exports rose by 29 % globally for the first two quarters of 2011 in comparison to the same period in 2010, from US$2.9 billion to US$3.7 billion
- Beverage exports to the UAE rose by 29% to US$67 million for the first two quarters of 2011, up from US$51.6 million in the same period of 2010.? Again, this was above the rate of growth in total global exports, which increased by 22% over the same period
- The value of all salmon exports (fresh, frozen and smoked) has increased from US$5.5 million to US$8 million (January - June 2011), up 46% compared with the same period the previous year
- ?Salmon exports to the Middle East increased from 740 tonnes (January - June 2010) to 798 tonnes (gutted weight, January - June 2011) - up 7.8%?
- During the first six months of 2011 exports of fresh salmon have remained consistent at just over 500 tonnes, but smoked salmon has increased from 174 tonnes to 257 tonnes - up 48%
Ewen Cameron, international senior manager for food and drink at SDI, said: "The Middle East offers huge potential for Scottish companies. It remains a core market for Scottish salmon, seafood, beverages and grocery products - targeting both the high-end retail and food service sectors.?
"Gulfood is one of the key events in our international calendar, providing a global stage for home-grown businesses looking to build their overseas markets. This year 14 companies will represent the finest of Scottish produce, including AG Barr, Youngs Seafood and Nairns Oatcakes. Gulfood can bring significant benefits for companies - for example as a direct result of showcasing its produce last year, Taste of Arran is now supplying cheeses to the Jumeirah hotel group.
"SDI is committed to working collaboratively with key partners in the food and drink industry to help Scottish companies trade more effectively in the Middle East. By doing so, we can help businesses increase turnover, create new jobs and realise their ambitious growth plans - improving the long-term future of Scotland's economy."
-Ends-
Scottish Government / Scottish Development International: For further information please contact:Marcus Pepperell /Martine Silve @ FTI Consulting
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