Food and drink exports to the UAE soar

Scotland has seen a massive 55 percent rise in food and drink exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The latest figures for the first two quarters of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.

The Middle East is now the largest market for smoked salmon outside the EU with an increase of 48 percent – to a value of £2.5 million – and confirms the emerging importance of the region to Scotland.

The statistics demonstrate continued growth after the UAE emerged in 2010 as the second fastest growing market for Scottish food and drink, with growth of 114 percent. They also show that SDI’s partnership wtih Scotland Food and Drink to deliver the industry strategy overseas is making good progress.

Scotland goes to Gulfood 2012

Scotland’s Food and Drink Secretary Richard Lochhead highlighted the figures ahead of Gulfood, one of the world’s largest food and hospitality shows held in Dubai, UAE from 19 – 22 February 2012.

He said: “These outstanding figures for the Middle East show that the region is now a key target market with huge potential value to the Scottish food and beverage industry. 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.”

Mr Lochhead will be attending the exhibition, which for the fourth year will boast a Scottish pavilion hosted by Scottish Development International (SDI). The pavilion will include 12 exhibitors showcasing a range of internationally-recognised Scottish produce which is exported around the world.

The companies exhibiting either already trade in the region and are looking to increase their customer base in the Gulf, or companies have not done business in the region before and are looking to enter the market.

Aims include expanding the range of products they export into the region, build on existing contacts and attract new customers, build brand awareness and hold buyer meetings.

Key export figures from Scotland to UAE

• Food and drink exports rose by 55 per cent to £50.1 million - for the first two quarters of 2011 compared to 2010. This compares to an increase of 29 per cent in global food and drink exports from Scotland, from £1.813 billion to £2.353 billion
• Whisky exports to UAE rose by 29 per cent to £42 million for the first two quarters of 2011, up from £32.5 million in the same period of 2010. Again, this was above the rate of growth in total global whisky exports, which increased by 22 per cent over the same period

Key salmon export figures from Scotland to Middle East

• The value of all salmon exports (fresh, frozen and smoked) has increased from £3.45 million to £5.05 million (January – June 2011), up 46 per cent 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 percent
• 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 per cent

Find out more about the companies attending Gulfood 2012 as part of the Scottish Pavilion