Japan ambassador praises original Irn Bru recipe during Scotland visit

The Japanese ambassador to the UK, Hiroshi Suzuki, visited Scotland and toured the Auchentoshan Distillery, located in Clydebank, near Glasgow, on Friday. During his tour with First Minister John Swinney, they discussed the vital trading relationship between Scotland and Japan, particularly focusing on Scottish whisky and other exports. Mr. Suzuki had previously tried Irn Bru, Scotland's popular soft drink, and was encouraged to taste the original 1901 recipe that had been discontinued due to the sugar tax. After sampling this historical version of Irn Bru, he described it as fantastic and gave it a thumbs up, highlighting his enjoyment of the drink. The ambassador has garnered attention online for trying various traditional foods from the UK, with previous posts about his experiences in Scotland reaching tens of thousands of views and likes on social media. Such engagement underscores a growing interest in Scotland's culinary offerings in Japan. The positive reception to Irn Bru aligns with Suzuki's observations about the admiration Japanese consumers have for Scottish products, including not just whisky but also seafood like salmon and mackerel, the latter seeing a remarkable tenfold increase in export volume to Japan over the last few years. In his discussions with John Swinney, Mr. Suzuki stressed that Japan values its economic relationship with Scotland, viewing it as an essential trading partner. He noted that products such as Scotch whisky and mackerel are particularly well-received in Japan, reflecting a growing appreciation for Scottish culture and gastronomy. This relationship is evidenced by investments and business collaborations unfolding as Japanese firms recognize Scotland as a favorable destination for investment, especially in sectors rehabilitating renewable energy and life sciences along with the robust whisky industry. As the visit unfolded, the Scots showcased their hospitality, aiming to strengthen commercial ties between the two nations. The distillery tour not only highlighted Scotland's whisky heritage but also served as a platform for fostering connections that could lead to improved trade dynamics and cultural exchange. Overall, Mr. Suzuki's trip is a promising indicator of future collaborations, revealing the growing impact of Scottish products across international boundaries and fortifying the appreciation of cultural heritage in global markets.