Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has called for more Scottish food to be served in schools, hospitals and other public buildings.
The Scottish Government minister made the call after chairing a food and drink industry summit on public sector supply contracts yesterday.
Scottish companies currently deliver around 48% of public catering contracts, which have a total value of approximately £750million between now and 2021, according to government figures.
Yesterday’s summit focused on how firms in Scotland could be helped to access a greater share of the business.
Mr Ewing, said: “I want to see more of our schools, hospitals and public sector organisations taking advantage of the high quality food and drink produced in Scotland, so that school pupils, healthcare users and public sectors the length and breadth of Scotland can enjoy it.
“Currently, almost half of our public sector food and drink contracts are awarded to Scottish businesses, however I believe there is enormous untapped potential to do more and use the power of public sector spending to boost our own economy.”
The Minister urged all businesses to sign up to the Scottish Government’s public contracts website to receive information on supply opportunities.
He added: “The benefits of supporting our world-class food and drink providers are huge. It is now the single biggest contributor to the Scottish economy, generating a turnover of around £14.4 billion, with much of this based across rural Scotland.
“It is also an example of how we must work to make the most of the current economic uncertainties posed by Brexit, coupled with the weak pound, which will mean that importing food into the UK is more expensive.
Julie Welsh, director of the Scotland Excel, centre of procurement expertise for local government, said closer collaboration between the industry and public sector was needed.
She said: “Scotland Excel is working closely with public bodies and producers to develop the procurement ‘know-how’ and value-for-money awareness needed to take maximum advantage of this opportunity
“Much of this effort is focused on increasing opportunities within our procurement frameworks and across all those in the supply chain.”
Ms Welsh added: “Given current global trends, including the growing importance of food security, this is an area of high priority to all in our successful food and drink sector.”
