Scottish food and drink continues to delight the US
At an event in downtown New York last night organised by Scottish Development International, the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that Scottish food and drink exports to the US continue to grow.
With cocktails involving gin and marmalade (try it – it works!) and food prepared by Darren McGrady the former personal chef to HM The Queen, Princess Diana and Princes William and Harry, this event showcased the best in Scotland’s food and drink to buyers from the US.
On display were some of the examples of food and drink being sold in the States, amid news that Scottish food and drink companies have secured £8m of export sales to North America.
Companies there included Associated Seafoods, Eden Mill Distillery and Mara Seaweed who have all secured contracts to sell their products in supermarkets and restaurants across the USA.
It was also announced that Scotland’s total food and drink exports to North America reached £1 billion last year, with the US topping our food and drink export markets.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Scotland’s food and drink sector remains one of our strongest export markets and the latest figures show how important North American business is to our producers.
“The news that Scottish business is thriving and securing multi-million pound contracts is fantastic, and it is especially encouraging to see so many independent businesses doing so well.
“The links between Scotland and the USA have always been strong, and today’s announcement shows that they will continue for years to come.”
Dr Lena Wilson, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: “Our food and drink industry is going from strength to strength and it is really encouraging to see continued export success in North America. We have been working with our food and drink partners across Scotland to open doors for companies with international ambitions.
“This Showcase demonstrates Scotland’s credentials as a ‘Land of Food & Drink’ – showcasing the best we have to offer, from our traditional Scotch whisky and salmon through to newer flavours on the global menu, such as small-batch gins, craft beers and artisan cheeses. It provides a strong platform to raise our profile in this key market and generate additional business for companies and income for Scotland.”
Here is a flavour of the event held on Tartan Day:
Scotland's Food and Drink showcased in New York last night at an event hosted by @ScotDevInt pic.twitter.com/h7CFDYorge
— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) April 7, 2017