Scotland’s food and drink manufacturers call for bold action to secure the sector’s future

Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland has today launched its 2026 manifesto, setting out clear priorities to secure the future success of Scotland’s food and drink manufacturing industry.

Scotland’s food and drink manufacturers contribute £5.2 billion to the economy and support 47,000 jobs across the country. A strong partnership between our businesses and the next Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament is needed to ensure the industry can continue to grow, provide highly-skilled jobs, and achieve net zero. 

The manifesto calls on the next Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament to:

• Support business growth by creating a consistent, evidence-based regulatory environment, minimising policy divergence across the UK, and providing multi-year, ring-fenced grants to drive investment and innovation.
• Build a highly-skilled, resilient workforce through reforming skills delivery, targeted employer support for training, and meaningful engagement with industry to shape effective policies.
• Work together towards net zero by supporting climate change innovation, the implementation of a national food and drink climate transition plan, and ensuring recycling and waste improvement funds are ring-fenced by local authorities.

These priorities are designed to help Scotland’s food and drink manufacturers thrive, continue to deliver healthier and safe food, and lead the way in sustainability.

James Macsween, FDF Scotland’s Chair, said:

“As someone who has grown up in Scotland’s food and drink sector, I see how our industry brings communities together and supports people across the country. This manifesto is not just a set of policies – it’s a call to action for the next Scottish Government and Parliament to champion our businesses, invest in our future, and help us continue to deliver food and drink that Scotland can be proud of.”

Katherine Durie, FDF Scotland’s Vice Chair, added:

“We need to ensure our workforce has the skills and opportunities to thrive. Through the industry working in partnership with government, a skills system can be created that truly reflects the needs of our businesses and our people. Together, we can help every individual in our sector reach their full potential and keep Scotland at the forefront of food and drink innovation.”

David Thomson, FDF Scotland’s Chief Executive Officer, commented:

“Our manufacturers are ready to embrace the challenge of net zero and sustainability, but we can’t do it alone. With the right support from government, we can drive real change – not just for our industry, but for Scotland’s environment and communities. I ask policymakers to work with us to help secure a greener, more prosperous future for everyone.”

ENDS

Read FDF Scotland’s manifesto - Growing Scottish food and drink manufacturing

For more information, please contact kirsty.tinsdale@fdfscotland.org.uk / 07508 303 736.

About FDF Scotland

Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland is a division of the FDF - the voice of the food and drink manufacturing industry – the UK's largest manufacturing sector. For more information about FDF Scotland and the industry we represent visit our website.