Food and drink firms need ‘stable ground’ to recover and grow: FDF Scotland’s manifesto sets out producer’s priorities

FDF Scotland’s manifesto - A menu for growth - sets out the priorities for Scotland’s food and drink manufacturers for 2021 and beyond. It includes key asks for the next Scottish Parliament and Government in areas including:

• supporting the growth of the food and drink industry
• achieving a more environmentally sustainable Scotland
• supporting healthier choices in communities across Scotland
• investing in people, skills and innovation.

Scotland’s food and drink companies need time to recover from the devastating impacts of Covid-19 and the changes that have been brought about by the UK’s new relationship with the EU. As well as a moratorium on legislation which hurts food and drink businesses, FDF Scotland asks for continued funding for the recovery of the industry over the coming years.

In addition, FDF Scotland calls on parliamentarians to ensure future dietary health policy is evidence-based and supports Scotland’s people and vital food and drink industry.

FDF Scotland also highlights the need to ensure food and drink manufacturers are supported to play their part in Scotland’s environmental ambitions; and that businesses have the correct skills in place to allow for future growth.   

FDF Scotland's Chief Executive Officer, David Thomson, said:

“I am delighted to launch our manifesto, setting out our key priorities that will support the future growth of our vital food and drink manufacturing industry.

“It has been a challenging time for our food and drink businesses. As well as being fully focused on keeping their employees safe and feeding the nation, they are now getting to grips with the changes involved in exporting their products to the EU.

“To do that, businesses need stable ground to recover and grow. We ask the next Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government not to put in place punitive policies and legislation that will harm the food and drink industry. Instead we want to work in partnership with parliamentarians to support Scotland’s food and drink manufacturers to get back on their feet now and thrive into the future.”

More information 

For interview/briefing opportunities or for further information please contact Kirsty Ritchie at kirsty.ritchie@fdfscotland.org.uk /0131 222 8040.

Note to Editors:

1. View 'A menu for growth: Our priorities for Scotland’s food and drink manufacturers’.
2. FDF Scotland is the membership body for Scotland’s food and drink manufacturers and is a division of the FDF. We represent and support food and drink companies across the UK, from thriving small businesses through to major global brands, on the issues that are important to them.
3. Food and drink manufacturers are a key part of the Scottish economy – they have an annual turnover of around £11 billion and provide 47,000 high quality jobs. View industry stats.