Food and drink sectors in Scotland
Scotland is home to several prosperous, vibrant and growing food and drink sectors, which have received major investment in recent years. Successful and innovative home-grown companies sit alongside global food and drink giants across these sectors, providing employment for more than 250,000 people.
Scotland has an abundance of natural resources for businesses across several sectors, as well as continuing excellence in research and development.
The following food and drink sectors are thriving in Scotland:
Beverages
The beverage industry is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, and whisky alone accounts for £3 billion of exports annually. In addition to the large organisations based in Scotland, there are a number of smaller indigenous companies, many exporting to global markets.
The Scottish drinks sector
Health-enhancing foods
The health-enhancing/functional foods sector is worth between £8–18 billion worldwide per annum. Growth of this food and drink sector continues to outstrip the main food market, and a range of research and development opportunities exist in Scotland.
Health-enhancing foods in Scotland
Red meat products
The Scottish red meat industry enjoys a well-deserved reputation for the quality of its beef, lamb and pork. Scottish processors sold 180,000 tonnes of beef, 27,500 tonnes of sheep meat and 55,800 tonnes of pig meat with a combined value of some £690 million during 2005.
Red meat production in Scotland
Seafood
There is a strong tradition and heritage in the seafood sector in Scotland, which continues to grow through leading-edge marine research, innovation and technology. Scotland’s 16,000 kilometres of beautiful, clean coastline is fished by more than 2000 boats, who make landings totalling more than 440,000 tonnes per year.
The seafood industry in Scotland
Salmon
Scotland is the third largest producer of Atlantic salmon in the world, and fish are farmed in clear, unpolluted waters. The retail sales value of Scottish salmon is around £300 million per annum, with the industry fully regulated by Government agencies and partners.
The Scottish salmon industry
The various Scottish food and drink sectors are thriving, and offer substantial opportunities for investment. Contact SDI for more information about the extensive range of services we offer companies across all food and drink sectors in Scotland.