SCOTTISH producers sold more than £1 billion-worth of food and drink to Asia last year.

Exports grew by seven per cent in 2016, with increased sales for dairy produce, fish and seafood and whisky.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said the figures “clearly show our food and drink industry is in fantastic health”.

Trade statistics from HM Revenue and Customs showed that food and drink sales from Scotland to Asia grew by £72 million to £1.055bn in 2016.

This included an increase in whisky exports by three per cent to £895m.

Overall food exports grew by 41 per cent to a value of £160m – with £66.5m of this coming from the fish and seafood sector after its sales increased by 16 per cent.

Meanwhile exports of dairy produce and eggs were up by 71 per cent, while sales of fruit and vegetables grew by 28 per cent.

Mr Ewing said: “Since this government came to office, the value of food exports has more than doubled.

“It is clear the partnership approach between industry and government has been pivotal in making food and drink one of our standout economic success stories.”

With Brexit on the agenda, Mr Ewing said “retaining access to vital European markets, which account for around 40 per cent of our food and drink exports, remains a priority”.

But he stressed: “We must also continue to extend our reach and these statistics show we are doing just that.

“Our produce has an excellent reputation around the world and it’s clear the industry is going from strength to strength.

“That is why we are doing everything to help support and grow food and drink exports further, as outlined in the new £10m industry-led strategy to assist the sector in realising its ambition to double turnover value by 2030.”

James Withers, chief executive of Scotland Food And Drink, said: “The impressive growth in food and drink exports to Asia reflects the hard work on our industry export plan.”

Susan Beattie, head of food and drink at Scottish Development International, said: “Asia continues to be a priority under the Scotland Food and Drink Export Plan.

“The team of in-market specialists in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan are helping Scottish companies access new opportunities in this dynamic market on a daily basis, opening doors to leading retailers and food service organisations.

“The recent export figures demonstrate strong consumer demand across this rapidly growing region for Scotland’s high-quality premium food and drink products.”

Last year, food and drink companies were urged to capitalise on China’s fast-growing market for quality produce, fuelled by the growth of the country’s middle classes.

At the time, the UK trade ambassador for the British Embassy in Beijing said this development offered huge economic opportunities to businesses in Scotland.