Scottish food and drink exports to the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region grew nearly £225 million ($350.5 million) last year from £188 million the previous year, according to new figures.

The Scottish Development International (SDI), the Scottish Government’s investment and business development agency, pointed out that the global food and drink exports were valued at £5.1 billion last year.

These new figures extracted from official HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Trade Statistics, saw a growth of £37 million on 2013 figures and surpassed the £1.1 billion previous record for the first time, it said.

The news represents a positive milestone, signaling increasing international awareness and appreciation of the quality and provenance of Scottish food, and Scotland’s distinguished heritage as a food-producing nation, said a statement.

The increase has been driven primarily by fish and seafood imports from Scotland, up 44 per cent to almost £4 million, and imports of cereals (which include biscuits and baked goods) were also up 17 per cent to just over £7 million.

In the UAE, Scotland has seen a 25 per cent rise in food and drink exports in 2014 from their value in 2013 to £124 million, which is significant as it sees the UAE jump from 15th place to eighth in terms of biggest export destinations.

This was followed by Lebanon with an increase of 14 per cent to reaching almost £52 million and Saudi Arabia 30 per cent to £12 million in 2014.

Tom Marchbanks, regional manager Middle East, Scottish Development International, said: ‘‘The huge increase in exports of Scottish food to this region reflects the growing demand from Middle Eastern chefs, buyers and consumers for our premium produce, and a growing recognition of Scotland as a ‘Land of Food and Drink’.

“Indeed, 2015 has been officially designated a ‘Year of Food and Drink’ in Scotland, and we are building momentum in the second half of the year with a range of activities that connect the Middle East and Scotland to further promote trade and bilateral relations.  

“In September, Dubai will be the host city for ‘EMEA - TO THE TABLE 2015’, one of the top international fora for food and beverage decision makers, and we are looking forward to making valuable connections between Gulf buyers and some of our top Scottish suppliers.  

Then, in October, we will be introducing some key Middle Eastern buyers to Scottish companies and industry organisations on Scottish soil at the Showcasing Scotland event in Gleneagles. During this event, buyers will undertake a series of meetings and presentations and enjoy the very best of Scottish produce at a gala dinner.” - TradeArabia News Service