Scotland Food & Drink sets revised £12.5 billion industry growth targets
Scotland Food & Drink has unveiled new industry growth targets of £12.5bn with the full support of the industry, as it announced the backing of three additional sectors: fishing, aquaculture and agriculture.
The three sectors have played a pivotal role in the development of Scotland Food & drink since its launch in 2007. However this is the first time the value of the sectors have been incorporated into the targets.
At its AGM in Dundee yesterday, the leadership organisation urged the continued collaboration of the entire industry to help bring Scotland out of recession and gain a competitive edge in lucrative global markets.
The target to grow the industry to £12.5bn by 2017 is a £2.5bn increase on its previous target of £10bn. Based on comprehensive research and analysis, supported by Scottish Enterprise, the target is underpinned by extensive consultation with each sector of Scotland's food and drink industry including more than 300 food and drink companies, sector representative organisations, Enterprise Agencies and the Scottish Government.
Scotland Food & Drink aims to deliver the £12.5bn objective by focusing on growth in three key consumer trends: premium, provenance and health. The industry organisation has also set challenging new targets to grow Scotland's food and drink exports from £3.8bn to £5bn.
Paul McLaughlin, Scotland Food & Drink chief executive, said: "Working together in a way we have never done before is critical to the prosperity of our industry. For the first time every sector is pulling together and we now have a truly collaborative strategy for growth aimed at driving greater domestic and global success.
"Economic growth in the food and drink industry is vital to Scotland's recovery from recession. Despite the economic downturn, the sector has shown resilience but we must remain adept at recognising new opportunities and innovative solutions to meet our £12.5bn target.
"Since Scotland Food & Drink was established in 2007 it has worked extensively to build the industry's commercial ambitions. Revising our targets for growth by £2.5bn demonstrates confidence in the industry and commitment to reach our full potential."
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "Scotland's food and drink sector is one of our key economic strengths and I welcome this vote of confidence for the future. The fact that we are maintaining our high aspirations despite the very real effects of a global recession speaks highly of Scottish produce and our reputation for quality. I would like to congratulate everyone involved. The time is now right to build on this considerable progress and create a food and drink revolution.
"Scotland is world renowned as a land of food and drink and 2009 has been hugely significant in terms of enhancing this reputation. As well as the official launch of the next steps of our first-ever national food and drink policy, consumer interest has never been greater and sales of Scottish brands have soared.
"Delivering the next wave of success can only be met through a joint response from all those growing, making, buying and selling Scottish food and drink at home and abroad. The prize is a great one - a healthier, wealthier, more environmentally sustainable Scotland."
Maggie McGinlay, Director of Food and Drink, Scottish Enterprise, said: "Ambitious growth targets are important to the success of the food and drink sector in Scotland and I am delighted that there is now a clear roadmap to 2017 based on industry and stakeholder collaboration, working through Scotland Food & Drink. In today's intensely competitive economy, businesses that continually create, evaluate and exploit their new ideas are the most likely to survive and prosper. Scottish Enterprise will be working with our industry partners to help food and drink companies take advantage of new market and product opportunities as the economy recovers."
For more information www.scotlandfoodanddrink.org