Sector is named the largest in Scottish manufacturing
A NEW report has shown that the economic contribution of the food and drink manufacturing sector has increased by over a fifth in Scotland.
According to new findings from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), Scotland’s food and drink manufacturing industry grew by 20.2% in 2025, compared to the figure in 2024.
This meant that the new sector contributed £5.7billion to the Scottish economy in 2025, making food and drink Scotland’s largest manufacturing sector and represents 32.4% of the region’s total manufacturing turnover.
In employment terms, the sector provides approximately 43,000 long-term careers and represents over a quarter (26%) of total manufacturing employment.
With this in mind, the FDF has urged MSPs to commit to protecting this vital sector’s future resilience and growth into the next parliamentary term.
The FDF has asked Scottish parliamentarians to minimise policy divergence from the rest of the UK to help create more stability in regulatory environments for the Scottish economy. This in turn will help to reduce costs and complexities of running business, says the FDF.
Additionally, the industry body has pushed for more “ring-fenced” grants into the sector to help encourage more innovation with food and drink manufacturers to help ensure the industry can address the future skills needs of businesses across the country.
David Thomson, chief executive officer at FDF Scotland, said: “Our dynamic, innovative and resilient food and drink manufacturing industry is truly a strength of Scotland.Food and drink businesses are at the heart of communities across the country, providing long-term careers, investing in local initiatives and putting Scottish heritage and culture on the map globally.
“These businesses are ambitious, but years of rising costs and regulatory pressure, along with the impacts of climate change and geopolitical volatility we’re seeing now, are putting those ambitions for growth at risk.
“With elections in a matter of weeks, it’s vital that we see Scottish parliamentarians commit to safeguarding the future of Scottish food and drink manufacturing by helping businesses invest in technology, skills and net zero.”
