Scotland Food & Drink sets revised £12.5bn industry growth target

 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 last week, 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."