The Executive Summary accompanies the full South of Scotland Food & Drink Landscape Assessment report and a supporting toolkit.
The toolkit includes a regional producer directory, a list of key support organisations, and a selection of case studies showcasing good practice and innovation in the region.
Together, these outputs provide a tangible resource for the food and drink industry across the South of Scotland.
EXTRACTS
Context & Collective Missions
This work follows the multi-stakeholder roundtable held in August 2024, where relevant partners identified collective missions and next steps for the South of Scotland food and drink sector. The roundtable reflected a strong spirit of partnership and a shared recognition of the region’s potential. Thanks to funding from South of Scotland Enterprise through the Small Producers Supply Chain Fund, which was launched in December 2024, this vital piece of work has been made possible. The assessment advances those discussions and provides a detailed analysis to guide future direction and delivery. The South of Scotland Food & Drink Landscape Assessment was commissioned to understand and support the development of the region’s food and drink economy, ensuring it can thrive through coordinated effort, strategic action, and sustainable growth. The assessment responds to the ambitions set out in the South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy and broader Scottish Government goals around community wealth building, green economy, and place-based regeneration. The work has been structured around five collective missions identified through engagement and analysis:
- Strengthen local supply chains and improve access to local produce.
- Create integrated food and drink experiences for residents and visitors.
- Support skills, capacity and future talent within the sector.
- Promote collaboration and connections across the supply chain.
- Increase visibility and identity for South of Scotland food and drink.
Conclusion
This assessment has clearly shown that while the South of Scotland is full of passionate, high-quality food and drink producers and operators, there are barriers that hinder their full potential. Businesses are calling for support, coordination, and practical action. To succeed, this sector needs regional leadership, investment in infrastructure, and a shared commitment to driving progress. Now that we’ve heard what the industry needs, the next step is to act boldly and collaboratively to make change happen. We have the knowledge. We have the people. We have the passion. Now we need the direction, leadership, and collective will to drive this forward.
Download the Executive Summary HERE
Download the Full Report HERE
