16 Food & Drink - World Class Scotland

[
Rowett Institute
The nation with great taste
James Withers, Chief Executive,
Scotland Food & Drink
The world now comes to Scotland’s table to sample
food produced to the highest possible standards
James Withers
In Scotland we are blessed with one of the world’s finest natural
larders. Scotland is truly a Land of Food & Drink. Yet it has only
been in recent years that we have started to fully appreciate it,
promote it and celebrate it. There is a real buzz in the sector.
Burgeoning public interest across Scotland in local produce
and a fast-growing reputation overseas are both fuelling
unprecedented growth.
Food and drink is the star player of the Scottish economy just
now. It is the best performing domestic sector and the fastest
growing export industry. In tough economic times, our talented,
entrepreneurial food and drink producers and manufacturers are
bucking the trend.
When industry body Scotland Food & Drink set an export target
of £5.1 billion for 2017 - 38% growth - it seemed ambitious. In
fact, it was reached six years early prompting the setting of a new
target of £7 billion by that same date. If achieved, exports of food
and drink will have almost doubled in a decade.
The French now buy our cheese, the Japanese buy our seafood
for sushi and the Chinese are even buying tea manufactured in
Scotland. Our reputation for clean air, pristine waters and world
class production standards are generating a growing army of
international followers.
Yet, it is at home where many of the opportunities to celebrate
our produce still lie. The emergence of more farmers markets and
artisan producers, alongside our world famous brands, speaks of
the momentum in the industry.
Eyes have already turned to 2014, when two of the greatest
sporting events on Earth come to Scotland. Industry and
government are working together to ensure we showcase our Land
of Food & Drink at the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup.
That will create a legacy which ensures quality food and drink
is integral to major events, tourism and society in
general in this country. It will strengthen the
foundation of success in recent years and
will ensure we reap benefits – whether
they are economic, social or healthrelated
– in the years to come.
[ WORLD CLASS SCOTLAND Food & Drink
[ In tough economic times, our talented,
entrepreneurial food and drink producers
and manufacturers are bucking the trend ]
102
103
[