‘Naturally Scottish’: Cabinet Secretary launches inaugural Scottish Food & Drink September

This month-long celebration extends the traditional Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight to a full four weeks, highlighting the remarkable growth and increasing global acclaim of Scotland’s diverse, high-quality produce with the aim of further enhancing the industry’s prominence both nationally and internationally.

At the heart of this year’s celebration is the introduction of the ‘Naturally Scottish’ brand. Developed by the industry, for the industry, Naturally Scottish encapsulates the passion, pride, and authenticity that have come to define Scotland's food and drink sector.

From the renowned salmon, whisky, and gin to the rising stars like artisan cheeses, craft soft drinks, and premium baking goods, the brand showcases the exceptional quality and craftsmanship that make Scottish produce truly world-class.

Mairi Gougeon, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, remarked on the importance of this initiative, stating “Scotland is home to some of the best quality produce on the market, with innovative businesses and determined individuals working hard to make our sector such a success story.  Food and drink is a £15bn industry that is one of the jewels in the crown of our economy and is revered around the globe.

“The newly developed, industry led, Naturally Scottish brand really tells the story of how our food and drink producers, farmers and fishers all come together to create incredible produce right here on our doorstep. I am delighted that we are now able to expand our celebration of that success over the month of September to reach as many people as possible.”

The Naturally Scottish launch builds on the momentum generated by March’s highly successful Showcasing Scotland event. The industry’s largest global 1:1 sales meeting brought together over 100 of the world’s most influential food and drink buyers for 1,822 official meetings with more than 100 Scottish businesses, generating a potential £77 million in sales for Scottish food and drink in markets around the world*[i].

Iain Baxter, Chief Executive of Scotland Food & Drink added “Following the success at Showcasing Scotland 2024, the extension of our Food & Drink Fortnight to a full month seemed like an organic decision and serves to highlight the ambition and growth of Scotland’s food and drink industry, as it continues to make significant strides on the global stage.

“The launch of Naturally Scottish embodies more than just our exceptional produce. It captures the essence of what it means to be Scottish. It’s about the provenance, the place, and the people who bring our food and drink to life. It’s an expression of our heritage, our commitment to sustainability, and our innovation. Whether our products come directly from nature or are crafted with care, they all share the same spirit—they are all Naturally Scottish.

“Alongside the launch of this new brand, we are excited to double the time spent celebrating one of Scotland's most important manufacturing sectors and all of the businesses, small and large, at the heart of this that make some of the world's most delicious foods for locals and for export.”

This September, Scotland Food & Drink invites everyone to join in celebrating the Naturally Scottish brand. The campaign is designed to engage producers, retailers, and consumers alike, encouraging them to share their stories, highlight their commitment to local produce, and promote the authenticity that sets Scottish food and drink apart.

Moreover, as part of the month’s activities, Scotland Food & Drink will host a "Maximise Your Retail Strategy" event on 17th September. This event, in partnership with retail expert IGD, The Knowledge Bank and The Academy, will enable commercial leaders and businesses to gain insights into working effectively with the UK’s top retailers. Attendees will learn how to navigate the complexities of supplying large retailers and explore strategies to grow their presence in this competitive market.

As Scotland Food & Drink continues to champion the industry, this month-long celebration aims to create new connections, support growth, and cement Scotland’s reputation as a world leader in food and drink.

Naturally Scottish branding & Toolkit: https://tinyurl.com/NatScotBrand

Further information about the Maximise Your Retail Strategy Event: https://tinyurl.com/MYRSSFDS

[i] * The £77m figure is a pipeline projection based on an initial poll of delegates. It does not reflect realised deal value.