Scotland increases lamb exports by 22% as total meat export revenue hits record high

Scotland’s red meat exports reached a record £190 mln between August 2025 and July 2026. According to the annual survey by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), export revenue increased by nearly 10% compared with the previous year, while shipment volumes rose by more than 25%. Exports have grown for four consecutive years, with revenue from overseas meat sales more than doubling over the past three years.

Lamb exports recorded the strongest growth, with revenue increasing by 22% to £75 mln. Meanwhile, beef exports rose by 3% to £104 mln, remaining the largest category by export value. Revenue from offal and other carcass products declined by 3% to just under £11 mln. Thus, lamb was the main driver of growth in Scotland’s meat export earnings.

The European Union remains the main destination for Scottish meat, accounting for almost 99% of export revenue and 97.5% of shipment volumes. EU countries purchase virtually all Scottish lamb exports, 98% of beef exports and 91% of offal shipments. Germany was the largest buyer of Scottish lamb, importing more than £30 mln worth of products. Significant volumes were also shipped to France and Belgium, with export values ranging from £15 mln to £20 mln in each country.

Overall, Scottish producers exported red meat and related products to 24 countries, including 12 EU member states and 12 non-EU markets. Beef was shipped to 20 countries, lamb to eight, and offal and other carcass products to 16. The ability to sell different categories of meat products according to demand in individual markets plays an important role in export development. Switzerland, Hong Kong, Belgium, Cyprus and France were among the buyers of higher-value meat cuts, while the Netherlands and Ireland remained important markets for lower-value carcass products.

International markets are particularly important for Scotland’s lamb industry. During the reporting period, 44% of lamb produced at Scottish slaughterhouses was exported, compared with 32% across the United Kingdom. For beef, the export share stood at 13% in both Scotland and the UK overall. QMS emphasizes that international demand allows producers to make more efficient use of all parts of the carcass and increase product added value. Meanwhile, the industry’s further development will largely depend on maintaining access to the European market and expanding demand in other countries.

Tags: meat, lamb, Scotland