The Scottish Government has been given the green light for a food and drink review to further develop Scotland’s reputation as ‘the best in the world to run food and drink businesses’. The review will be led by industry body Scotland Food & Drink. Dennis Overton, Scotland Food & Drink’s Vice Chairman, said, “The Scottish food and drink sector is one of the country’s great success stories and is on track to reach the target of £16.5bn by 2017. However, we are ambitious still. There is tremendous opportunity to improve further the collaboration already in place.”
Richard Lochhead MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, said, “In our Year of Food and Drink, I have challenged Scotland Food & Drink to explore options to help companies within the sector reap the benefits of joint working, and maximising their links to boost growth in the industry. By working more effectively together and building on our strengths, we will be able to seize upon the even greater success that is within our grasp as Scotland journeys towards becoming a Good Food Nation.”
Ministers will be presented with a report of recommendations for further collaboration in the food and drink sector in Scotland by November 2015.
Further commenting on the review, Mr. Overton said: “I’d ask anyone with views on how to take the food and drink sector to even greater successes to share them with the group by the end of August.” Submissions and ideas to be considered as part of this review can be sent to Ewan.Scott2@scotland.gsi.gov.uk by 31 August 2015.