Haggis-makers, bakers and brewers are among 47 food and drink manufacturers that have secured funding from the Scottish Government during 2016.
Hailing a landmark year for the “thriving” sector, worth £14.4billion two years ago and growing at twice the rare of the UK average, the government said yesterday its Food Processing Marketing and Co-operation grants had channelled nearly £20million directly into food and drink producers this year.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing added: “Scotland’s Food and Drink is internationally renowned and has long been a standout sector within our economy.
“This year is no different as we continue to see it delivering phenomenal growth, new jobs and increased wealth, and helping attract people to the country.
“It has been another landmark year for our food and drink industry, however, we will not rest on our laurels and will continue to do all we can to support the growth of Scotland’s food and drink, and the vital contribution it makes to our economy.
“This year, we have taken significant strides in unlocking the growth potential in Scotland’s small to medium producers.
“We have announced 47 more successful recipients of the Food Processing Marketing and Co-operation grant scheme which will boost sector growth and expand the reputation of the industry.
“In addition, we launched Connect Local, a new £3million programme which will strengthen the local supply chain by building connections between local producers and entrepreneurs, micro-businesses and SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) and offer specialist advice for enterprises with limited experience of marketing local food and drink.”
Mr Ewing said the government had also made progress on its vision to transform Scotland into a “good food nation” by announcing the first recipients of funding under another programme.
The Good Food Nation scheme aims to improve Scotland’s food culture and advocates the importance of good food to people’s quality of life.
