Scottish beef and lamb sector eyes £350m growth boost

Scottish livestock producers could help generate an additional £350m in output and £100m in economic value by 2032, according to new research highlighting strong consumer support for home-produced red meat.

Figures released by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and the Scottish Red Meat Resilience Group at the Royal Highland Show on Thursday (18 June) suggest Scotland’s beef and lamb sectors are well placed to benefit from growing demand both at home and overseas.

The findings, based on a survey of 1,000 Scottish red meat consumers, indicate continued public backing for domestic livestock production.

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More than eight in 10 respondents (81%) said supermarkets should prioritise Scottish red meat over imported alternatives.

And 71% said they would be concerned if imports became significantly more common on supermarket shelves.

Less than 2% of those surveyed said they preferred to buy beef, lamb or pork sourced from Europe or countries outside Europe.

Backing Scottish farmers

QMS chief executive Sarah Millar said: “People in Scotland back Scottish farmers and support the national economy.

“We need this same support from all the decision-makers across Scotland’s red meat supply chain.

“The unintended consequence of undervaluing or overlooking the wider contributions of Scotland’s livestock producers is not an option.”

QMS chief executive Sarah Millar speaking at the 2026 Royal Highland Show © QMS

QMS said the results underscore the importance of a sector that already contributes £3.5bn in output and more than £1bn in gross value added to the Scottish economy.

It also supports more than 47,000 jobs across the wider food and drink supply chain.

Increasing exports

Export markets are also becoming increasingly important for livestock producers.

About 13% of Scottish beef and lamb processed by abattoirs is sold abroad, with red meat exports reaching a record £173m in 2024-25.

Export values also rose by 26% on the previous year, while volumes increased by 10%.

Ms Millar said Scotland’s red meat sector had a significant opportunity for growth, but warned that achieving it would require long-term commitment across the supply chain.

“Scottish red meat is more valuable than ever before, but capitalising on this opportunity will take long-term thinking and real collaboration.”