Scottish red meat exports hit record levels

Scottish red meat exports, including offal, have soared to a record £164m between August 2024 to July 2025, according to the latest Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) annual export survey.

According to QMS, this represents a 19% increase in value compared to the previous year, with volumes also up by 4%.

Overseas sales continued to dominate in EU countries accounting for 98% of total export revenues, with more than 99% of beef and lamb export earnings coming from EU markets.

See also: Scottish government ‘committed’ to red meat sector

The EU also represented 85% of fifth-quarter product sales, demonstrating its critical importance to maintaining carcass balance.

QMS market intelligence manager Iain Macdonald said: “Despite the ongoing challenges of operating outside the EU single market, our processors are competing effectively, building valuable long-term partnerships and securing outlets for a diverse range of products that underpin carcass balance,” 

Top markets

France, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Belgium were the top five markets by value, reflecting continued strong demand for Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb across mainland Europe.

In total, Scottish exporters supplied beef to 18 countries, lamb to seven countries, and fifth-quarter products to 19 countries during the period.

Exports played a growing role in processor performance, with beef exports equivalent to 10% of abattoir output and lamb exports reaching 35% of abattoir output.

“These results highlight how Scottish exporters are successfully capitalising on strong demand in key European markets, where supply constraints continue to support higher-value trade,” added Mr Macdonald.

Building on success

To continue building on this success, QMS is preparing to showcase Scotland’s red meat at this year’s food and beverage trade fair Anuga in Cologne, Germany (4-8 October).

The 2023 event is said to have generated £22.9m in new export business opportunities.