Dey welcomes food and drink success story

by - 16/10/2012

"Angus South MSP Graeme Dey has welcomed research showing the success of Scotland’s booming food and drink industry is set to continue, with nearly half of the £10 billion industry increasing investment to target new export markets over the next year."

Angus South MSP Graeme Dey has welcomed research showing the success of Scotland’s booming food and drink industry is set to continue, with nearly half of the £10 billion industry increasing investment to target new export markets over the next year.

The report by ‘Beyond Borders’ surveyed 100 Scottish food and drink producers.

It revealed that the vast majority of companies felt that their product must continue to be made in Scotland.

Other findings from the research are that outside of the traditional heartland of Western Europe, the principal new target markets for Scottish food and drink exporters will be the Far East, the US, South America and Russia.

Over half the business surveyed (53 per cent) felt that the heritage of their products was key to attracting buyers.

44 per cent of businesses in the sector are planning to target one or more new international export markets over the next 12 months.

82 per cent of companies felt that their product must continue to be made in Scotland, regardless of the potential efficiencies offered by outsourcing manufacturing.

Mr Dey said: “One of Angus’s key assets is its outstanding natural larder, with a huge variety of food and drink products which remain in high demand.

“This sector has reaped success due to Scotland’s reputation for the finest produce, at the same time as other areas have been struggling in the global economic conditions.

“This report is very welcome indeed, and I am sure it will make for very optimistic reading for our local businesses and farmers.”

More Details: http://www.forfardispatch.co.uk/news/local-headlines/dey-welcomes-food-and-drink-success-story-1-2566168