More than £23 million in orders from Japan Expo.
A new report highlights the success of Scottish companies which
attended the world expo in Japan, generating orders for sectors
including offshore wind, gaming, health technology and consumer
products.
Business delegations to Scotland Day showcase events at Expo 2025
Osaka have reported £23 million in sales through immediate export
orders as well as forecast sales over the next three years.
A total of 43 Scottish companies went to Japan to attend events
organised by the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise. An
evaluation report published today outlines the benefits to
business, which will help to create more jobs and grow Scotland's
economy.
Overseas trade missions are part of the Scottish Government's Six
Point Export Plan, which responds to global economic uncertainty
to build on support through Scotland's export growth plan A
Trading Nation.
Business Minister visited Brave New Spirits,
an award-winning independent bottler and blender of Scotch whisky
based in Glasgow which gained £4 million in orders over the next
three years from Expo Osaka.
Mr Lochhead said:
“In an increasingly volatile global economy, it is vital that we
help Scottish companies access new markets and deepen existing
trading relationships. Scotland is open for business and the
events we held in Japan demonstrated that we have the skills,
technology and opportunities in a range of emerging industries.
“The Scotch whisky industry is vital to Scotland's economy and
culture, with exports worth £5.4 billion a year, and we will
continue to work closely with the sector to support it through
current challenges.
“Whisky exports to Japan went up 7% last year, making it the
seventh largest global market. Brave New Spirits has shown how
effective a Team Scotland approach can be to grasping
opportunities in international markets.”
Brave New Spirits Export Director Tomek Weselik said:
“After the Osaka trade mission our turnover with Japan nearly
doubled. We signed contracts with one of the largest supermarket
chains in the country as well as a chain of high premium shops.
Japan is one of the most important markets for Brave New Spirits
and we have been introduced by Scottish Enterprise to buyers from
a major hotel group and hope to start doing business in this new
sector this year.
“Presenting our Scotch Whiskies at the Osaka Expo expanded our
distribution network. The support from Scottish Government
and Scottish Enterprise was invaluable, and we welcome further
support for Scottish businesses via support with trade
negotiations and exhibitions in new export markets.”
Scottish Enterprise Director of Global Trade David McPhee said:
“Success stories such Expo 2025 really highlight the value of our
Team Scotland approach. By bringing innovative and ambitious
Scottish companies to global markets we can showcase our enviable
capabilities in growing industries, delivering tangible benefits
for Scotland's economy.
“Despite recent challenges, international demand for Scottish
goods, products and services remains strong and we're committed
to helping Scottish businesses build the networks they need to
continue growing internationally.”
Background
Scotland at Expo Osaka
2025 - Evaluation Report - PDF Version.pdf
New action to expand Scottish
exports - gov.scot
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, took place from April to October 2025,
attracting around 28 million visitors from more than 150
countries. In April, Mr Lochhead supported a delegation of
Scottish firms in Japan from the gaming sector as well as
consumer-focused businesses including distilleries, skincare
companies and seafood specialists. Health Secretary led a delegation in June to a
health technology showcase event. In September, Energy Secretary
supported the offshore wind
showcase.
Brave New Spirits was established in 2020 and employs more than
30 staff. It produces whiskies and provides labelling, cask and
bottling services worldwide. The company is currently building
Witchburn Distillery in Campbeltown which will be the first
newly-built distillery in the region for more than 100 years, and
also one of the most sustainable and technologically advanced
with no reliance on fossil fuels. Working extensively with the
Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, Brave New Spirits
has also attended trade missions to the USA, and liaises
regularly with a network of in-market specialists across Europe,
Asia, Canada and America.
