Rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead will arrive in North America today to promote Scotland’s £900million food and drinks trade.
The Moray MSP, who is travelling with farming and business leaders, is hoping to boost US and Canadian appetites for products such as Scotch whisky and smoked Salmon.
It is also understood that a key part of the visit will involve lobbying Washington to lift a decades-long ban on haggis and Scotch lamb imports.
Mr Lochhead said: “From our iconic favourites such as smoked salmon and Scotch whisky to our fine cheeses and meats, Scottish food and drink is in demand around the world.
“Over recent years we have seen staggering increases in exports of our produce to the United States and Canada.
“With the Scottish brand seen as a hallmark for quality, we can do more and continue to grow our exports to these key markets. That is why I will undertake a series of meetings and engagements to promote our produce in North America.”
Food and drink exports to the US have increased dramatically in recent years, soaring 78% from £450million in 2007 to £800million in 2014.
A similar increase has also been noted in the smaller Canadian export market, which has risen 64% from £49million in 2007 to £81million in 2014.
National Farmers’ Union Scotland’s vice president, Rob Livesey – who will join the cabinet secretary on the Washington leg of the visit – said: “Whether looking at new, exciting markets for our iconic Scotch beef and lamb or building on existing demand for quality Scottish dairy produce, export growth is a crucial factor in delivering better returns back to our farmgate.
“As the cornerstone of our food and drink sector, the story that Scottish farmers like myself can tell about the quality of produce that leaves our farms will help drive home the message that Scotland truly is a nation worthy of doing business with.”
Jim McLaren, chairman of Quality Meat Scotland, said this week’s trip presented an exciting opportunity to further explore opportunities for Scotch Lamb PGI and Scotch Beef PGI in Canada and the USA.
“There is without doubt considerable potential for these iconic brands in North America,” he said.
“They have earned a global reputation for quality underpinned by our traditional livestock production methods, very much based on family farms and grazing systems which make the most of Scotland’s natural landscape and abundant fresh water and grass.
“These attributes, along with our long-established quality assurance schemes, will be among those we will be highlighting to potential customers during our trip.”