QMS annual export survey reveals a 10% rise in export revenues and a surge of more than 25% in volumes as overseas markets deliver greater value for Scotland’s red meat sector
Scottish red meat exports have reached a record £190 million, delivering a major boost to the economic value generated by Scotland’s beef and lamb sector and underlining the importance of overseas markets to the rural economy.
The Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) 2026 annual export survey shows that sales rose for a fourth consecutive year during the August 2025 to July 2026 survey period. Revenues increased by nearly 10% on the previous year and have more than doubled in just three years.
Export volumes grew even faster, surging by more than 25%. The increase highlights the role of international demand in supporting carcase balance and generating additional value beyond what can be realised in the domestic market.
Beef and lamb drive growth
Beef export revenues increased by 3% to £104 million, while lamb exports jumped by 22% to £75 million. Sales of fifth quarter products eased by 3% to just under £11 million.
EU destinations remained the engine of export performance, accounting for almost 99% of revenues and 97.5% of volumes. Nearly all lamb sales went to EU markets, alongside 98% of beef sales and 91% of fifth quarter sales.
France and the Netherlands were the largest markets outside the British Isles’, each accounted for just under £20 million, with Italy approaching £15 million.
Germany led lamb sales at more than £30 million, followed by France and Belgium, each in the £15 million to £20 million range.
Broad international reach
Respondents reported sales to 12 EU and 12 non-EU markets. Beef was shipped to 20 countries, lamb to eight and fifth quarter products to 16.
Switzerland, Hong Kong, Belgium, Cyprus and France provided outlets for higher-value cuts, while the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland were important markets for lower-value cuts. France, Sweden and Japan achieved the highest value per kilogram for fifth quarter products.
Kate Rowell, Chair of QMS, said: “These record results are a powerful vote of confidence in Scotland’s red meat sector. Export sales of £190 million are not simply a headline figure, they represent additional value flowing through our supply chain and supporting farming, processing and rural communities across Scotland.
“With revenues more than doubling in three years and volumes rising by over 25% in the latest survey period, overseas demand is helping the industry make the best use of the whole carcase and secure returns that cannot always be achieved in the domestic market.
“The EU remains indispensable to our export success, but sales across 24 EU and non-EU markets also show the strength of Scotland’s reputation for quality. Protecting market access and continuing to build demand at home and abroad will be essential if we are to turn this momentum into lasting value for producers and the wider Scottish economy.”
Relative to Scottish abattoir production, exports were equivalent to 13% of beef output and 44% of sheepmeatoutput during the August 2025 to July 2026 period. The comparable UK-wide figures were 13% for beef and 32% for lamb.