WIREDGOV

New funding to further support Scotland’s “phenomenal” food and drink industry has been announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The Scottish Government, its enterprise agencies, and the food and drink industry are supporting delivery of the new food and drink strategy – ‘Ambition 2030’ – through a new £10 million funding package.

The strategy will target key markets, boost innovation, focus on skills, and support local producers - with ambitious plans to double the value of the industry to £30 billion by 2030.

Making the announcement at Scotland Food and Drink’s 10th annual conference in Glasgow the First Minister said:

“Scotland’s food and drink sector has enjoyed phenomenal success over the past ten years with unprecedented growth in turnover and exports, including food exports alone doubling to £1.5 billion.

“Our nation is blessed with all the ingredients we need to achieve greater success. We have a fantastic natural larder, the skills and expertise, and the complementary strengths in tourism, innovation and research.

“Yet the risk of leaving the EU and the single market means these are uncertain times, while revoking the free movement of people could have a profound impact on our food and drink industry.

“That is why we are doing our utmost to support the industry - working in partnership with Scotland Food and Drink, the industry bodies, and our producers - and this new £10 million investment will support the industry realise its ambition to double its value by 2030.”

James Withers, Chief Executive, Scotland Food & Drink said:

“As an industry, we are hugely ambitious for the future. There are uncertainties ahead, but we have a world class industry and growing markets at home and abroad. ‘Ambition 2030’ will drive a new era of growth in our sector for the benefit of Scotland’s economy and communities. 

“The secret of success over the last decade has been a spirit of partnership between the industry, government and its agencies.   Today’s funding announcement demonstrates our collective commitment to deepen that partnership and take our work to a new level.”

Background

Funding contributions for this new investment is from the Scottish Government (£6.9 million); the enterprise agencies (£600k); and the industry (£2.5 million) over the next three years.

This is in addition to the range of support already provided to the industry by the Scottish Government and the enterprise agencies.

Scottish Food and drink exports grew by £421 million in 2016, to a record £5.5 billion, while there was an 8% increase in the value of exports over the past year.