Almost 9 out of 10 businesses (88%) remain optimistic about the future growth of Scotland’s food and drink sector according to a survey at Scotland Food & Drink’s Industry Conference held yesterday (29 March) – the first live event post COVID.
The poll, conducted amongst the 350 business leaders at the event, found that almost three quarters (71%) felt that consumer demand for local produce has increased over the last year. More than half (54%) believed their biggest growth opportunity was within the wider UK market, and a quarter (25%) were looking to international markets for growth.
Iain Baxter, CEO at Scotland Food & Drink, said, “It was a pleasure to welcome businesses from across the country to our first industry conference post-Covid, and my first as CEO at Scotland Food & Drink.
“The poll results highlight the ambition that our businesses have, and their strategies to seize growth opportunities. It’s heartening to see such positivity among our membership and wider industry, particularly in the context of myriad challenges facing the sector.
“The positive attitude expressed today reflects the direction of our coming industry strategy. In the weeks and months ahead, we’ll set out the strategic direction to ensure that our sector is sustainable, resilient and growing.
“Events like this give businesses the tools to grow, both locally and globally, and learn from each other as we set out on our joint mission to grow the opportunities for our sector and champion Scotland as a land of food and drink. It is such a rewarding time to be part of this industry and I would like to thank every one of our speakers for sharing their stories, and insight, to make the day such a success.”