Scotland Food & Drink facts for kids

Scotland Food & Drink is an important group that helps businesses in Scotland that make food and drinks. It was created in 2007. This group works to make the food and drink industry in Scotland grow a lot. Their big goal is to make it worth £30 billion by the year 2030! They also want to make sure Scotland is known as a great place for food and drink around the world.

Besides getting money from its members, Scotland Food & Drink also gets help from the Scottish Government.

Every year, Scotland Food & Drink helps plan a special event called the Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight. This event celebrates all the amazing food and drinks made in Scotland.

How Scotland Food & Drink Started

Scotland Food & Drink began in June 2007. It was set up to bring together all the main parts of Scotland's food and drink world. This includes different types of businesses, groups that help trade, and even government agencies. Some of these agencies are Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

When it launched, it was the first official event for Richard Lochhead MSP in his job as the main person for rural affairs and the environment in the Scottish Government. Since then, the group has made a new plan for the whole industry. This plan is called "Ambition 2030." It aims to make the industry grow to be worth £30 billion by 2030.

The first leader of Scotland Food & Drink was Paul McLaughlin. He left in August 2011. Then, James Withers took over as the new leader in September 2011.

How Scotland Food & Drink Gets Money

Scotland Food & Drink is a group that its members pay to be part of. This means that companies and people who join pay a fee, which helps fund the group.

It also gets money and support from the Scottish Government. This extra help allows the group to do more to support the food and drink industry.

Who Belongs to Scotland Food & Drink

People and businesses from all over the Scottish food and drink industry can join this group. This includes farmers who grow food, shops that sell food, and other groups that help the industry.

Members get different benefits and services. They can also help with big projects that improve the whole industry.

A special group of leaders makes sure everyone gets support. Some of the groups that are part of this executive team include:

• Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board
• Dairy UK
• Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• Improve Ltd
• Lantra
• National Farmers Union Scotland
• Quality Meat Scotland
• Rowett Research Institute
• Scotch Whisky Association
• Scottish Agricultural College
• Scottish Agricultural Organisations Society (SAOS)
• Scottish Association of Master Bakers
• Scottish Enterprise
• Scottish Food & Drink Federation
• Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation
• Seafood Scotland