Food and drink centres of excellence in Scotland
The Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health
The Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health is part of the College of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Aberdeen. It brings together extensive capabilities and expertise in nutritional research to pursue cutting edge science aimed at preventing disease and improving health through good nutrition.
The Scottish Crop Research Institute
The Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI) is Scotland's leading crop research institute for plants and their interactions with the environment. SCRI is active in 30 countries supporting sustainable development and the production of healthy, natural food.
Scottish Agricultrual College
The Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) is a knowledge-based organisation that supports the development of rural communities and industries. Research and development at SAC is organised into several categories:
- Food Supply Chains
- Environmental Management
- Animal Health
- Animal Welfare
- Agricultural Systems
- Rural Policy
Moredun
Moredun was established in 1920 by farmers dedicated to improving the health of their livestock. It comprises six organisations which have an excellent international reputation:
- Moredun Foundation
- Moredun Research Institute (MRI) internationally recognised for its work on infectious diseases of sheep and other ruminants
- Moredun Scientific Limited
- Pentlands Science Park Limited
- VETAID
- Equine Grass Sickness Fund
The Roslin Institue
The Roslin Institute is a BBSRC Institute associated with the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, the number one-ranked Veterinary School in the UK in 2008. The Institute undertakes research within the framework of BBSRC Institute Strategic Programmes focussed on the health and welfare of animals, and applications of basic animal sciences in human and veterinary medicine, the livestock industry and food security.
Institute of Aquaculture
The Institute of Aquaculture at Stirling University is the leading international centre in its field and is the largest of its kind in the world. Research focuses on fundamental questions relating to strategies for sustainable aquaculture, whether in modern commercial markets or in feeding poor communities in developing countries.
International Centre for Brewing and Distilling
The International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD) is the only organisation in the UK to offer both Honours and Masters degrees in Brewing and Distilling. The centre is based on a partnership between industry and academics, and makes up part of the School of Life Sciences located in the Riccarton campus of Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.
Industry bodies
Scotland Food & Drink
Scotland Food & Drink is an industry led group which provides strategic leadership and support for the food and drink sector. It has a strong focus on collaborative and effective working and has put in place a target of £10 billion sales by 2017 from £7.5 billion in 2007 for the whole food and drink industry in Scotland.
Coaching Academy and Centre of Excellence
This initiative, which is being run by Scotland Food & Drink, is still in the pipeline. It will seek to create a single access point for all the information and insight available within Scotland’s food and drink industry.
The centre will become established as the first port of call for everyone working in the industry – it will drive economic growth through knowledge and research exchange.
The cutting edge Coaching Academy will lead in the development of tools and techniques for best practise, helping to develop new skills among industry managers and consultants.
The Food and Health Innovation Service
Launched in February 2011, this project aims to help companies to access Scotland’s leading research in food and health to develop and launch new or improved products.
Additional industry bodies
- Scottish Quality Salmon
- Seafood Scotland
- Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation
- Scotch Whisky Association
- Quality Meat Scotland