Japans growing taste for Scotch whisky has seen the value of Scottish food and drink exports to the country surging to almost £100 million.

Latest available export figures show the overall value of food and drink sales to Japan rose by 9% to a record £98.7 million in 2015, compared with £90.3 million in 2014 and £51.63 million in 2007. Whisky exports account for 77% of the total, with seafood 16.71% of Scotlands current food and drink exports to Japan.

External affairs secretary Fiona Hyslop says, "Scotland has a fantastic larder of some of the worlds best natural produce, a flair for innovation and a longstanding reputation for producing top quality food and drink – so it is no surprise our food and drink industry is enjoying significant success in the Japanese market.

"A growing appetite in Japan for our whisky has supported a strong surge in the value of food and drinks exports to almost £100 million – the highest on record.

"We are committed to building on this success and strengthening relationships with major food distributors and retailers across Japan."