SCOTTISH food exports have topped £1.1 billion for the first time after sales of fish and seafood soared in overseas markets, official figures show.

Food exports grew by 3.5 per cent last year, according to statistics from Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC), boosted by a 6.6 per cent increase in fish and seafood exports to £613 million.

The total value of food and drink exports was £5.1bn in 2014, the figures state.

The US remains the top destination for Scottish food and drink, with exports worth £800m, followed by France, valued at £734m in 2014.

Spain became one of Scotland's top three export markets for the first time, with exports valued at £247m, followed by Germany (£208m) and Singapore (£202m).

One of the biggest growth markets in 2014 was China, where exports surged by 82 per cent to £46m on the back of a 92 per cent increase in fish and seafood exports. Meat exports to China totalled £1.4m, after an import ban on British pork was lifted.

Food exports to the wider Asia and Oceania region grew by 31 per cent to £113m, the figures state.

Speaking on a visit to Edinburgh producer Mara Seaweed, which aims to start exporting to Asia this year, Scottish food secretary Richard Lochhead said: "These figures are extremely encouraging, particularly long-term, and reflective of the fantastic produce we have to offer here in Scotland."

He added: "It's especially important to highlight this achievement during the Year of Food & Drink. We have a wonderful natural larder that lends itself to some of the best produce in the world."