Strengths of the food and drink sector in Scotland

Stamp of quality

  • Scotland offers low traffic congestion, clean air and favourable conditions for food production and a rich, natural larder with some of the world’s best natural produce
  • The food and drink industry in Scotland produces safe, advanced foodstuffs of a consistently high standard. The industry is committed to combining the latest production technology with the best natural produce
  • Scotland has 16,000 kilometers of coastline, clear, unpolluted water and unspoiled grassland - meaning that food and drink from Scotland has a reputation for its purity and quality
  • A raft of high quality, world-renowned chefs and restaurants supports Scotland’s excellent reputation for food and drink

High-quality support infrastructure

  • Scotland’s national industry body for the food industry, Scotland Food & Drink, aims to grow the value of food and drink to £12.5 billion by 2017, making it more profitable and to delivering greater global success in a fiercely competitive market
  • Trade links with the rest of the UK, Europe, the USA and beyond are excellent for exporting high quality produce
  • A strong, well established supply chain
  • Scotland Food & Drink is also developing a new approach to market intelligence, a market development strategy, a health and innovation service and a research network
  • The supportive regulatory framework for food producers in Scotland helps ensure its continued growth

Research strengths and skills

  • Scotland boasts the only organisation in the UK to offer both Masters and Honours degrees in brewing and distilling
  • Strong research expertise, with specific focus on areas including:
  •         Health and nutrition
  •         Agriculture and horticulture
  •         Brewing and distilling
    • World-class academic sector and a buoyant labour market Almost 30 colleges throughout Scotland provide a range of specialist courses with food and drink-related qualifications

Cost-competitive

  • Competitive salary rates and cost-competitive commercial and industrial property costs
  • A wide variety of public and private funding is available to assist the industry – see how we can help for more information