Success on a plate as Scotland’s larder makes £33m a day

Scotland’s “quality and growing” reputation for food and drink has driven record growth of £700 million in the sector, industry leaders said.

The country’s natural produce has reached a new high of £11.9 billion turnover – almost £33m a day – and comes as Scottish Food and Drink fortnight gets into full stride.

Manufacturing of Scottish produce has also broken the £9bn mark for the first time.

This increased by 8 per cent, official government figures show, from £8.3bn to £9.02bn.

The figures were driven by whisky, which accounted for £6.4bn in turnover.

Salmon production has also continued to increase, along with beef, lamb and pork.

Between 2008 and 2009, Gross Value Added (GVA) in the sector increased by 9 per cent and now stands at £4.8bn, which is up £381m.

James Withers, chief executive of Scotland Food & Drink, said the figures were “excellent news” for the whole Scottish economy.

“To achieve this growth in 2009 in such a challenging economic environment is testament to Scotland’s quality and growing reputation,” he said.

“We want success throughout the supply chain. We need to improve margins in the primary sectors, grow our manufacturing base and ultimately secure new customers for our fantastic produce.

“There is momentum behind us now and a real buzz in the sector.

“With the industry, Scottish Government and its agencies working as one we should be ambitious to achieve even more and cement Scotland’s reputation here and abroad as a land of food and drink.”

The food and drink sector comprises agriculture, fisheries, including aquaculture, along with food and drink manufacturing.

Turnover in drinks manufacturing increased by 11 per cent from £3.9bn in 2008 to £4.35bn in 2009.

In food manufacturing, turn over increased from £4.4bn to £4.67bn.

The share of food and drink manufacturing GVA (gross value added) as a percentage of overall manufacturing GVA has increased from about 26 per cent in 2008 to 31 per cent in 2009.

Rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead said: “Scotland produces some of the greatest food and drink in the world and these figures are a reflection of our wonderful produce. It is only fitting that we celebrate the industry’s success during Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight.”

This year’s fortnight got under way last weekend and is aimed at highlighting the wealth of Scottish food and drink on offer to consumers.