£1m of public money to be spent on promoting Scotland’s food and drink industry

A MILLION pounds of taxpayers’ cash is to be spent on promoting Scotland’s food and drink industry in the run-up to a series of major events in the country in 2014.

The Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup and the second Year of Homecoming are all taking place in Scotland in two years time.

Scotland’s rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead said he wanted food and drink producers to use the events to promote their produce around the world.

The £1 million fund will support the implementation of the food and drink 2014 action plan, created by a partnership between the Scottish Government, enterprise agencies, Event Scotland and industry body Scotland Food and Drink.

Mr Lochhead said: “With the Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and the Year of Homecoming all taking place in Scotland in that year, there will be unprecedented opportunities to showcase the magnificent produce Scotland has to offer.

“However, it’s vital that companies prepare in advance to give themselves the best possible opportunity to reap the rewards on offer. For example, over the next nine months the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee, responsible for delivering the Games, is expected to procure catering services contracts worth up to £8 million.

“That’s why we have prepared our 2014 action plan to help Scottish food and drink firms maximise their competitive advantage and ensure they’re well placed to capitalise on the economic opportunities on offer and to promote Scotland’s reputation as a land of food and drink.

“The funding I have announced today will help to deliver the action plan and help to keep Scottish firms ahead of the curve.”