Scotland\u2019s food and drink industry has smashed records, surging to an eye-catching \u00a319 billion in turnover \u2014 a milestone that underscores the sector\u2019s growing economic clout.<\/p>\n
According to new Scottish government figures, released at a Scotland Food & Drink reception in the Scottish Parliament on 18 November, the industry now comprises 17,000 businesses and generates a record \u00a37 billion in Gross Value Added. <\/p>\n
As one of Scotland\u2019s largest sectors, it supports 123,000 jobs and delivers benefits \u201cacross communities in every corner of the country\u201d.<\/p>\n
The rise reflects domestic and export growth, alongside increased market prices driven by persistent inflation in energy and input costs. The data comes from the Annual Business Survey and the Farming and Agricultural Census, covering performance in 2023.<\/p>\n
Revealing the findings at Holyrood, Scotland Food & Drink chief executive Iain Baxter urged measured optimism. \u201cOrdinarily we\u2019d be toasting the success of industry growth, but with the new figures, we\u2019re cautiously optimistic rather than celebratory,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He noted that the sector has expanded despite \u201cincredibly challenging times\u201d, citing the fallout from Brexit, the war in Ukraine, the Middle East crisis and the pandemic. <\/p>\n
The results, he said, show \u201cthe power of perseverance, ambition, partnership and continued investment\u201d in one of Scotland\u2019s most resilient industries.<\/p>\n
Baxter stressed that although food price inflation has contributed to the uplift, producers face \u201cstubbornly high input costs\u201d, labour shortages, infrastructure gaps, intensifying global competition and mounting regulatory and sustainability pressures. <\/p>\n
The transition to net zero, he added, will require coordinated action \u2014 something the organisation is committed to driving through its partnerships.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m proud of the way our businesses have met challenge after challenge and ensured that food and drink remains one of Scotland\u2019s greatest success stories,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The publication of the figures coincides with Scotland Food & Drink\u2019s latest policy report, Levers for Growth and Sustainability, which outlines practical steps that could protect the sector and unlock billions more in annual sales. <\/p>\n
Building on the momentum that delivered the \u00a319 billion milestone, the report calls for conditions that support long-term, sustainable growth and enable businesses of all sizes to thrive at home while competing confidently on the global stage.<\/p>\n