EUROPE remains Scotland’s largest regional export market outside of the UK, taking 70% of our exports into a market that grew by £50 million in the first quarter of this year alone.

The latest figures, released this week, showed that Scotland’s food and drink exports increased by over 11% in the first quarter of this year, an increase of £124 million on 2016's performance, taking the three-month total to £1.2 billion.

Of that headline figure, food exports were valued at £371 million, up £45.5 million on last year's first quarter,, while the country's export leader, Scotch whisky, increased overseas sales by £79 million. North America was the second largest export destination for food and drink, with the Asia and Oceania region third.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “What is clear from these figures is that maintaining access to the EU single market is crucial for our food and drink producers and our wider economy. Losing access will put Scottish industry at a significant disadvantage, exposing business to damaging export tariff barriers and regulatory requirements.

“Scotch Whisky and Scottish Salmon were the top two UK export products by value in the first quarter of 2017, making up 22% of the value of total food and drink exports from the UK. The Prime Minister must include the Scottish Government at the Brexit negotiating table, with the starting point for any new approach the continued membership of the Single Market and Customs Union.”

Scotland Food and Drink chief executive James Withers said: "This is another incredibly strong set of export results for both Scottish food and drink, building on our momentum.

"Europe remains our biggest market as the destination for 70% of food exports. Ongoing, smooth access to that market will be critical for our sector's future," he agreed.

"However, we are strongly committed to extending our global footprint well beyond Europe, something that the Scotch Whisky industry had led the way on. So it's very encouraging to see such strong growth in Asia and North America, with rises of 50% to 70% in the value of food sales in those markets so far this year.

"These results are the fruits of having a clear export plan and a unique partnership between the industry and government. We believe we can double the turnover of food and drink sector in Scotland to £30 billion by 2030. International sales are becoming an increasing part of that story."

Head of food and drink at Scottish Development International, Susan Beattie, added: “These latest figures show the growing demand for Scotland’s high quality, premium food and drink products from consumers across the world.

"Food and drink businesses have been working hard to capitalise on the opportunities in overseas markets, drawing on the market insights and trade connections of the SF and D in-market specialist team," she added. "We will continue to support their international ambitions, working with our partners to deliver the Scotland Food and Drink Export Plan.”