The value of retail sales of Scottish food and drinks brands across Britain rose to almost £2 billion in the year to May 2014, led by the popularity of Scotch whisky, new analysis has shown.
Famous Grouse, Bell's Whisky, Whyte & Mackay and Grant's Whisky were the top four Scottish food and drinks brands during the period.
The whisky brands, along with other famous names such as Baxters, Tunnock's and Irn-Bru, helped boost the value of retail sales by over 36% since 2007.
Between May 2013 and May 2014, the estimated value of retail sales of Scottish food and drink products was up 3.3%, according to the Scottish Government analysis of grocery purchases across Scotland, England and Wales.
Scotland's food minister Richard Lochhead said: "Business is booming for Scottish food and drink, not just here in Scotland but across these islands and around the world.
"Our global reputation for top-quality food and drink with unrivalled provenance is driving up sales of iconic Scottish brands and products at home and further afield - as demonstrated by the strong and increasing demand for Scottish food and drink brands in England and Wales.
"This continued growth in these markets shows that consumers across these islands purchase our produce on the basis of taste and quality above all else."
The analysis comes as new figures show that almost a fifth (19%) of Scotch whisky exports go to Commonwealth countries.
Singapore is the largest market in the Commonwealth for Scotch whisky with exports of £330 million last year, followed by South Africa with exports of £163 million, Australia at £84 million and India with £69 million.
Economic growth and increasing disposable incomes mean new markets are also emerging in parts of Africa, the SWA said.
Exports to Nigeria rose 43% to almost £14 million last year, making it the seventh biggest market in the Commonwealth.
David Frost, Scotch Whisky Association chief executive, said: "In many Commonwealth countries, Scotch whisky has been popular for years.
"As economies in other countries develop, young, professional consumers are developing a taste for Scotch whisky which they rightly regard as an aspirational drink of quality."
