Ambition for the industry
Food and drink is the UK's largest manufacturing sector. There are 22,000 people employed in the industry in north east Scotland and the region accounts for more than 20% of Scotland's food and drink output. The area leads on the production of Scotland's quality primary produce from land and sea and is home to some of the country's most iconic brands.
The industry ambition is to grow north east Scotland's food, drink, agriculture and seafood sector turnover by 5% per annum, double output and exports by 2030, and increase productivity by 25% by 2025. These goals reflect the Scotland Food & Drink Ambition 2030 target to double industry turnover in Scotland.
A combination of accelerated business growth, UK and international market development, innovation to harness new technology and digital integration in the primary food supply chains, and ambitious infrastructure projects will achieve the regional goals.
The £27 million ONE SeedPod project will be the go-to place for delivery of the regional ambition for food and drink and will open in 2022. The project is supported by £10 million of Aberdeen City Region Deal funding from the UK Government and Scottish Government, £5.4 million from Opportunity North East (ONE), £3.1 million from the Just Transition Fund and £2 million from Scottish Enterprise. The unique entrepreneurial ecosystem, industry expertise, bespoke facilities and support programmes will drive the evolution of existing businesses and inspire and develop the next generation of producers. Once open in 2024, it will become the focal point to create and deliver the region's leading position in industry product and process innovation, premium market development, and entrepreneurial growth.
The Seafood Transformation project targets a revolution in the region's largest processing sector to increase its productivity through advanced manufacturing and processing facilities, leadership and skills investment, and access to new national and international markets.
jobs in food, drink, agriculture and fishing
of Scotland's food and drink output
investment in SeedPod centre of excellence
increase in sector turnover per annum
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Opportunity North East Ltd
11 Queens Gardens
Aberdeen
AB15 4YD