“If the current rate of growth continues we will have an export rate similar to that of the North Sea oil & gas industry… that is remarkable!” – Richard Lochhead, Scottish Food & Drink Secretary
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We think it’s important to shout about our achievements as an industry, so read on for some impressive facts about the Scottish food and drink sector you might not have known:
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40 bottles of Scotch whiskey are shipped overseas EVERY SECOND!
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Haggis has been officially banned in the US since 1971! Environmental secretary Owen Paterson made a bid earlier this year to try and have the ban lifted… we are still awaiting news…
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In the UK we eat 1 million meals made with fresh Scottish salmon EVERY DAY.
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Annual turnover in the Scottish food and drink sector surpassed £13 billion in September 2013! This figure continues to grow year on year.
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The traditional recipe for Scotch tablet was sugar and cream (early 18th century). Today it is made with sugar, condensed milk and butter.
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For Scotch Whiskey to be REAL Scotch Whiskey, the spirit must mature in oak casks for at least 3 years. This MUST be done in Scotland.
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1 in 3 Americans believe that the haggis is a real creature that runs around in the highlands … click to read the full legend of the haggis here.
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The USA is the top Scottish salmon importer, with 60 other countries importing Scottish salmon EVERY year.
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Scottish beef is worth more than Scottish fruit, dairy and poultry combined!
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France is Scottish salmon’s second biggest market, and has awarded Scottish salmon the French Government’s top quality award (Label Rouge) for the past 19 years.