Minister announces new fund to help food and drink businesses

New funding announced by the Scottish Government yesterday aims to help food and drink businesses work together on innovative ways to sell their products.

The Collaboration Innovation Fund, which is supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), is part of wider measures to support firms looking to innovate.

Announcing the extra support for the food and drink sector at the Royal Highland Show, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “Scotland’s reputation as an innovative and globally trading nation is recognised but we need to do more.

“Innovation will be key to delivering the industry’s strategic ambitions to double the turnover of the industry by 2030.

“This fund will help bring business and academia together to help deliver greater growth.”

Scottish Food and Drink chief executive James Withers said: “The pace of change in terms of food and drink production, supply chains and consumer behaviour is remarkable.

“We will need to embrace a culture of cutting-edge innovation and collaboration to meet the ambitions of our new industry strategy.

“This fund is an important new step to help drive that culture."

HIE food and drink chief Elaine Jamieson said: “Innovation in food and drink is vital to empower Scotland’s businesses to respond to today’s consumer market.”

The launch comes hot on the heels of the new Make Innovation Happen scheme, which is open to all food and drink businesses across the supply chain in Scotland.

Make Innovation Happen will provide information and support including access to technical knowledge and expertise, specialist facilities and advice on funding. It will also help businesses to tap into resources within the public sector and academia.

James Withers: pace of change is ‘remarkable’