Export 2.0: Delivering today, planning for tomorrow

Phase two of Scotland’s food and drink industry export plan

In 2014, the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership published the industry’s first export plan. It was a unique collaboration between the industry, Scottish Government and Scottish Development International. It reflected the global ambitions of the industry and established a clear strategy to capitalise on the opportunity that awaits in export markets.

Five years ago when the first Scotland Food & Drink Export Strategy was launched, the idea of having staff on the ground, soaring export figures and hundreds of relationships with international customers was all just a vision.

Well, now that exists. The seeds planted with the 2014 plan are bearing fruit. Rather than ripping up the tree and starting again, we should – as an industry – prune it, refining our approach to exporting.

The opportunity over the coming five years is to use this remarkable new platform to drive broader and deeper benefits for Scotland’s food and drink producers.

In-market specialists are at the core of the plan for the next five years, working towards 2024. Along with the ‘feet on the ground’ approach, we will support Scottish producers and businesses to facilitate exporting and cope with the growth demands it brings.

With support, training and advice being made available to Scottish producers and businesses, we aim to build capability, increase trade promotion and develop trading platforms. This plan outlines just a few of the strands of activity we’ll embrace over the coming years.