Let’s celebrate the hidden heroes in our essential food supply chain – David Thomson

During the coronavirus outbreak, I am so proud, more than ever, to be working in the vital food and drink industry. Everyone is talking about the great work the people on the frontline such as nurses, doctors, and care workers are doing to keep us healthy – and quite rightly so! I also want to celebrate the hidden heroes in the food supply chain including food manufacturers, farmers, and retailers who are working incredibly hard to feed the nation.

18/05/17 . GLASGOW. Various Scottish food. Tunnocks, Genius, Irn Bru and McKay jams.

FDF Scotland and our members were delighted that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon highlighted her appreciation for those working in the food and drink sector at a recent daily briefing. She said: “This is not an easy time at all to work in agriculture, or food manufacturing, or distribution, or of course in stores and supermarkets that require to be open.” She gave her “heartfelt thanks” and said what everybody in these sectors are doing is “absolutely essential for all of us”.

The health and safety of their workforce is the top priority for our members. As well as their usual stringent health and safety policies, they are following Scottish and UK government advice and have put in place additional measures to ensure appropriate social distancing and the overall welfare of their staff. This can include staggering start and finish times and breaks, the use of protective clothing and screens, and home working for staff where possible.

These measures are important to allow these companies to continue to produce high quality food for their consumers in Scotland and across the UK. Their workers are rising to the challenge by taking on different roles. East Kilbride-based Scobie & Junor supply ingredients, packaging and machinery to the food industry. Managing Director Gordon Wicklow is proud of how well their teams have adapted to support the business during these extremely busy times. A member of the sales team has joined the warehousing team to keep products moving out the doors; two members of the technical team have joined the factory team to help production; and their development chef is using the time working from home to publish ready meals recipes that their food and drink customers can make themselves.

David Thomson, CEO, Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland

Another FDF Scotland member Genius Foods make gluten free bread, pancakes and pastry from factories in the UK including Bathgate. Founder Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne is overwhelmingly impressed with the resilience and commitment demonstrated by the Genius team. Genius’s hidden heroes in their Bathgate bakery have been sending care packages of gluten-free bread and crumpets to families who are self-isolating and cannot get their products. The customer care team have been sending details of those in need to the bakery team who have been working hard to get their products out as quickly as possible. The team has received excellent feedback, with consumers stressing how much this has helped them during these difficult times.

Lanark based Border Biscuits has a long-standing history of supporting its local community. This work has been even more valuable during these challenging times. The company’s community support team has been hard at work in donating 3,000 of their biscuits to staff and vulnerable patients at Wishaw General Hospital which is the closest NHS hospital to its factory. Border Biscuits is also continuing to provide further donations to local care facilities and other nearby hospitals to reach as many of the most vulnerable as they can.

Macphie, a food ingredient manufacturer with sites in both Glenbervie near Stonehaven and Uddingston, has also been donating food to those in need. They are providing baked goods and some of its long-life products to local nurseries, care homes and vulnerable families who are struggling to access food supplies.

The company is making hand sanitiser for frontline services 
including hospitals and care homes amid nationwide shortages. Production started last month with over 180,000 bottles of the disinfectant hand rub being sent to NHS hospitals across Scotland last week.

It is heartening to see all the great work our food manufacturers are doing in local communities in Scotland and across the rest of the UK. While you are enjoying some delicious food from your local shops and supermarkets, as well as online or through delivery services, please think about the people that are working hard to feed you and your families. They are truly vital to the wellbeing of the nation during these challenging times.

David Thomson, CEO, Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland