Our manifesto
Supporting our industry. Supporting growth. Supporting Scotland.
Food and drink: A priority industry
The food and drink manufacturing industry in Scotland is
diverse, ranging from multinational companies with a global
share of the market to small independently owned businesses
that produce artisan-style products.
Our diverse membership
reflects our role in cultivating partnerships for manufacturers
with other key parts of the food chain such as agriculture.
The one thing all our members have in common is the
contribution that they make to the Scottish economy, to our
culture and to our wellbeing.
"From innovative new products and technologies,
the food and drink manufacturing sector in
Scotland is an industry that we should take
pride in and celebrate.
Not only does it directly employ approximately 50,000 people,
it is Scotland's biggest manufacturing sector with annual
sales totalling around £8 billion.
As an advanced manufacturing industry we also add value
through innovation and new product development and
through direct support of other key industries such as tourism
and agriculture.
We also export an array of Scottish produce and brands
globally and in 2009 food and drink exports were valued at
over £4 billion.
"This not only brings direct benefits to our economy
but encourages the promotion of Scotland through
the food and drink we produce, produce that is so
often representative of our culture, heritage and
future ambition."
The industry also plays a key role in supporting public policy
objectives, contributing to progress in areas as varied as
climate change and health.
That's what we do for Scotland. In return we expect Government
to provide a framework for our industry to succeed.
That means first class infrastructure, the skills for our
industry's future and ensuring our industry can grow and be
more profitable.
"This manifesto is calling on Parliamentarians and
Government to recognise the important role of the
food and drink manufacturing industry and to
consider how you can help us to help Scotland
as a whole. "
In the manifesto
Download PDF: Manifesto: Supporting our Industry. Supporting growth. Supporting Scotland.