(SCOTLAND)
The food and drink industry in Scotland is on course to double its turnover to £30 billion by 2030 thanks to the country’s world-class products and commitment to innovation.
To support Scotland’s ‘Ambition 2030’ initiative and realise the £30 billion target, a new service called ‘Make Innovation Happen‘ has been launched by a working group led by the respected industry body, Scotland Food & Drink. It is essentially a one-stop shop where food and drink stakeholders can easily connect with the innovation landscape in Scotland. It provides access to a number of resources, including research facilities, professional support, market insight and innovation funding.
“We want to see the value of Scotland’s food and drink sector double to £30 billion by 2030. Innovation will play a key role in the delivery of this ambition,” Scotland’s Rural Economy Secretary, Fergus Ewing, said. “Scotland’s reputation as an innovative and globally trading nation is recognised but we need to keep moving forward. We want more food and drink businesses across Scotland to sell more goods and services to more markets. We want existing investors to develop, grow and expand in Scotland and that we remain a location of choice for inward investors.
“Make Innovation Happen offers an excellent opportunity to support businesses on their innovation journey. I would urge any food and drink businesses thinking of innovation to make use of this new service.”
Scottish Enterprise, the country’s leading economic development agency, is one of the key partners backing the project.
Jim Watson, Director of Innovation at Scottish Enterprise, added: “Business innovation is fundamental to Scotland’s future economic growth. We know innovation has a direct impact on business growth, with £488 million of additional domestic and international sales forecast from the companies we supported to innovate in 2015/16.
“That’s why we’re fully committed, alongside our partners, to the new Make Innovation Happen service to help Scotland’s food and drink industry accelerate market-driven innovation across the whole supply chain, from primary producers all the way to consumers, to open up new markets and revenue streams.”
