Food and drink is one of the largest industry sectors in Scotland.
Since 2007 food and drink has grown to become one of the most successful sectors in Scotland.
Food and drink is now Scotland’s biggest employer and the industry is worth £15 billion.
- +40% increase in sales of Scottish brands in the UK
- £15bn is the value of the food and drink industry
- +86% new business startups in 7 years
- +43% Food productivity up since 2007
Facts
- Employment in the Food and Drink growth sector stood at 125,000 in 2022, accounting for 4.8% of employment in Scotland and 14.1% of employment in Food and Drink across Great Britain.
- The gross value added to the economy by the food and drink sector is £3.9 billion, 27% of Scottish manufacturing value added.
- Scotland has 1,285 food and drink manufacturing businesses.
- 200% increase in food exports in the last 10 years
- Scottish food and drink manufacturing will need 7000 new recruits by 2033
Key websites
- Scotland Food & Drink
- Scotland Food & Drink Partnership new industry strategy
- Scottish facts and stats | The Food & Drink Federation
- The Scottish Food and Drink Federation website has a dedicated page that links to all the food education partners that can support teachers to deliver food education in the classroom. They also have Food Science videos developed to support the Higher Chemistry curriculum and these mention careers too. They also have a YouTube site with more career videos and ‘inside industry films’.
Reports
- Supporting the food and drink industry – Food and drink – gov.scot
- Food and drink sector research | The Food & Drink Federation
- Long-term food and drink stability – gov.scot
Pathways and careers
- Scotland Food and Drink Partnership | Schools Resource
- Food education – Career pathways in food and drink in Scotland
- Careers and skills development | The Food & Drink Federation
- Food & Drink – Skills Development Scotland
