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Flying the flag for Scottish food and drink
11/02/2009
A substantial package of support to help Scotland's food and drink industry increase its international profile has been unveiled.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead announced the measures this morning at the Scotland Food & Drink international conference at Hopetoun House, South Queensferry.
The event is looking at new ways for Scottish producers to tap into lucrative export markets.
The new package includes:
- An enhanced programme of trade delegations for over 100 Scottish companies which will deliver an estimated £60 million in overseas sales
- £1.8 million - an increase of £250,000 - a year for new trade advisors to help Scottish companies break into international markets
- At international exhibitions from April, the Saltire will be featured alongside Scotland Food & Drink branding to help raise the sector's profile.
- A Retailers' Forum on March 25 to look at ways of forging better links between food producers and retailers
- A new Supplier Development Programme, in partnership with Sainsbury's, offering Scottish firms advice on how to tap into major supply chains
Giving the keynote address, Mr Lochhead said:
"This package of support will greatly enhance the international profile of our vital food and drink sector. It offers businesses new and exciting opportunities to tap into Scotland's world-class reputation for food.
"It's fitting that in the year of Homecoming the Saltire will take centre stage in promoting Scotland's world-famous food and drink overseas. Investing in this vital sector and helping it reach into new markets abroad will strengthen businesses and safeguard jobs.
"Support will be provided to over 100 companies at more than 12 events over the coming year, helping to consolidate Scotland's position as a nation of a land of food and drink.
"It is estimated the promotional activity will deliver £60 million in sales, giving a huge boost to our food and drink sector, which employs around 350,000 people.
"Growing international revenue is critical if we are to reach our ambitious target of growing the value of Scotland's food and drink sector to £10 billion by 2017.
"This conference signals a new level of coherent public support, intelligence and overseas assistance to businesses in Scotland looking to improve their export potential.
"And in the year of Homecoming - much of which revolves around the promotion of Scotland as a nation of quality food and drink - we will be announcing our new national food and drink policy.
"It will help support our farming, fishing and food industries and build our international credentials, ensuring even more Scottish producers can take full advantage of global and domestic markets."
Renowned Scottish chef and TV personality Nick Nairn said:
"Scottish food has an international reputation for its quality and taste and is worth billions to the Scottish economy. It's absolutely vital that Government, industry and the public at large do everything they can to support such an important sector and I am delighted to see that the Saltire will be used to ensure Scottish produce stands out. I look forward to seeing the brand in action in the coming months."
Paul McLaughlin, chief executive of Scotland Food & Drink, added:
"Investment of this stature reflects the food and drink industry's integral role in the Scottish economy and underlines our collective ambition to grow its value to £10bn by 2017. In partnership with the Scottish Government, we are committed to providing businesses with tools and support to identify profitable routes to market and capitalise on the industry's burgeoning reputation as 'A Land of Food & Drink'."
Karen Schenstrom from Sainsbury's said:
"We are delighted to support Scottish producers through Sainsbury's involvement in the Supplier Development Programme. Scotland already has a reputation for world-class food and drink and we look forward to forging even better relationships with suppliers throughout this excellent initiative."
Previous action to support the food and drink sector includes:
- £12 million to 37 companies to boost profitability and put more Scottish food on consumers' plates.
- A supply chain collaboration project, supported by £1 million from the Scottish Government, to help 200 companies access new markets.
- The Scottish Government currently invests £1.6 million in providing international support to the Scottish food and drink industry. Additional support of £250,000 will be provided over the next 12 months to support companies to exploit new international opportunities.
To compliment this activity overseas the Scottish Government is providing an enhanced provision of international advisory services to companies in Scotland. Ministers are also boosting support to Scottish business to access UK markets through:
- Scotland Food and Drink are taking 12 companies through a 6 month supplier development programme in partnership with Sainsbury's
- Previously announced supply chain collaboration project in partnership with Scotland Food & Drink, and supported by £1 million from the Scottish Government, SAOS are delivering a three year programme for over 200 companies to support the delivery of more efficient and effective supply chains, leading to large scale projects on "Lean and Green" practices that will be disseminated throughout the industry
- £60,000 to support Scottish companies deliver the very best of Scottish food and drink within the Homecoming programme.