US Export Plan - Sector Report - Food and Drink

Overview

The Food and Drink sector is one of Scotland’s most valuable and internationally recognised industries. Traditional products like Scotch Whisky, Stornoway Black Pudding, and Arbroath Smokies, to name but a few, are not just viewed as commodities but symbols of the country’s heritage and way of life^[1]. There are also newer and emerging areas forming a key part of Scotland’s portfolio of products in the sector, with Scottish Development International also highlighting the export opportunities for Scottish food and drink in low and zero alcohol drinks, health-enhancing products, net-zero packaging and value-added food processing^[2].

The sector is made up of more than 17,000 businesses, directly employs 115,000 people, and contributes £18.9 billion to the Scottish economy annually^[3]. It is also Scotland’s largest manufacturing sector, accounting for 31% of total manufacturing turnover^[4].

This sector summary covers the food and drink sector as a whole, with a particular focus on specific groups of premium products in which Scotland has a recognised strength, such as whisky, salmon, value-added seafood products and dairy.

Certain products play a pivotal role in driving performance within this sector, most notably, the whisky industry generates £3 in every £100 of Scotland’s total Gross Value Added (GVA), and is the country’s most productive sector, ranked just behind energy^[5]. The US is the largest export destination for this key export, with £933 million of sales in 2025^[6]. The salmon industry also is of economic importance, supporting 10,850 jobs across the country, contributing £953 million of GVA^[7]. It is the UK’s largest food export and in 2025 over 111,000 tonnes of whole, chilled, salmon valued at £828 million, were exported to customers worldwide^[8]. The US is one of the top three individual market destinations, alongside France and China, demonstrating the products global reach.

The opportunities in the US market have the potential to benefit every corner of the Scottish economy, from the well recognised strengths of North East Scotland and its manufacturing and processing capabilities spanning agriculture and seafood to the premium products of the Highlands and Islands such as Scotch Whisky, craft gin, and smoked salmon.