Scotland's red meat exports hit new record

These figures are 16 percent higher than the QMS survey statistics for the same period last year, which is 14 percent higher than the peak period beforecovid in 2018/19.

"These results contradict any negative trends that might have arisen due to the additional costs and complexities associated with accessing the EU market after Brexit," said Ian MacDonald, market research manager at QMS, noting the long-standing relationships of Scottish exporters with European countries. 

However, some of the growth was driven by higher export prices, and it was also a strong year for the beef trade.

"Thanks to our long-standing relationships with importers, built on trust in high-quality products, our export sales continue to be dominated by trade with customers in the EU," said Ian. "These relationships are built and strengthened through our presence at events like Anuga, where we provide visitors with a full understanding of what makes Scottish red meat special – Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), quality assurance, provenance, sustainability, and animal welfare."

The report showed that almost 95 percent of total export earnings were earned in EU markets, with that share rising to 98 percent for Scottish lamb.

While QMS said limited supply had hampered growth in export sales to new customers, the results showed some new markets emerging in Africa and Asia, with exports to 11 non-EU countries, up from seven the previous year.

Scotland's main beef export destinations remain France , Italy and the Netherlands, which together account for almost 75 per cent of the total, with Belgium, Germany , Portugal and Hong Kong also playing important roles.

"Scottish beef exports to Belgium, France, Germany and Scandinavia are selling at prices well above average," Ian said, adding that some smaller markets are seeing trade in high-value cuts of Scottish beef with average prices well above £20 per kg.

"This highlights the opportunity to sell premium cuts of Scottish beef to buyers seeking the highest quality beef in a competitive global market."

While EU lamb demand remained stable in the year to July 2023, Ian warned that export sales were likely to be limited due to reduced abattoir capacity in Scotland.

However, including the offal trade, lamb export revenues are still estimated to have risen to £21 million. The share of lamb exports is also estimated to have increased by 17 percent during this period, compared to 15 percent in the previous year. France remains the most important overseas market for Scottish lamb, while Belgium and Italy remain important destinations.