Food and drink body sets out future plans

This is Scotland Food & Drink's first national conference and will allow the leadership organisation to set out its ambitions for the industry as well as highlighting the benefits of getting involved.

The conference is attracting leading players from the industry and over the course of the two days around 275 delegates will attend from all parts of the Scottish food and drink supply chain (including primary processors, manufacturers, distributors, drinks sector, the research base, retailers, foodservice operators and those servicing the industry). The focus of the conference will be on the industry issues currently stimulating debate as well as providing a rare opportunity to meet people from different sectors and parts of the supply chain.

Organised by Scottish Enterprise on behalf of Scotland Food and Drink, the two-day conference will feature a Ministerial address from Richard Lochhead MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, who recently launched a "national discussion" on food policy.

The event will also be the first opportunity for representatives of the industry to meet Paul McLaughlin, the new chief executive of Scotland Food and Drink, who took up his post in January.

On the first day delegates will hear views on how the industry can achieve the organisation's over-arching aim of building Scotland's global reputation in food and drink, and be known internationally as 'The Land of Food and Drink'. Speakers include Joanne Denny-Finch OBE, chief executive of food and grocery research company IGD who will talk about key trends in the global market place; Malcolm Copland of Marks and Spencer who will cover the premium market from a retailers perspective; Steven Sturgeon of whisky company William Grant and Sons Ltd who will highlight supply and demand in emerging drinks markets; and leading expert Dale Williams of SA Associates, who will talk about the role of Collaborative Supply Chains in achieving Scotland's growth ambitions.

The second day will focus on food tourism and will look at how the food and tourism industries can collaborate to provide visitors with the fresh, locally produced food that adds to the quality of their experience. It will open with a Ministerial address from tourism minister Jim Mather and also feature a preview of the results of recent research into tourists' views of the food they were served while visiting Scotland, carried out on behalf of VisitScotland who have worked hard to improve the quality and reputation of eating establishments that can be accredited into their EatScotland scheme. Michelin starred Chef Andrew Fairlie and local producer Jim Fairlie of Glenearn Lamb will be among the strong cast of speakers.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said: "The first national Scotland Food and Drink conference comes at a pivotal time in our national discussion on food. The discussion will help us develop a national food policy that is designed to boost jobs and business, help make food healthier and to minimise the environmental impacts of food production, manufacture and retail.

"A healthy future for the industry contributes to sustainable economic growth in Scotland. From our top-quality meat, fish and seafood to our delicious soft fruit and world-famous whisky, Scotland is renowned for its world-class reputation for food and drink. We want the freshest, finest future for Scottish food. Supporting food production and manufacturing in Scotland is in our national interest. It is essential that all those involved in Scotland Food and Drink contribute to the debate and have their say on the future of Scottish food."

Paul McLaughlin, chief executive of Scotland Food and Drink, said: "Since Scotland Food and Drink was launched in June 2007 a huge amount of effort has gone into setting up the organisation as a stand-alone body and with my arrival a few weeks ago we are now ready to move onto the next stage of its development which is the recruitment of members and driving forward a strategy which will firmly establish food and drink from Scotland as world class. This conference is an important milestone and I look forward to meeting the industry representatives and setting out our ambitions for the future."

Maggie McGinlay, director of Food and Drink at Scottish Enterprise, said: "This event is a hugely significant step in the development of Scotland Food and Drink as it will be the first time since it was set up that this leadership organisation has had an opportunity to address the industry and sell the advantages of joining to help drive it forward. Those of us involved in setting up the new organisation know there is widespread support in the industry for the aims of Scotland Food and Drink and this event will give everyone a chance to find out about their detailed plans."