'Record' year for Scotland's food and drink sector

Scotland's food and drink sector generated a record turnover of £14.3bn in 2013, according to new figures.

Analysis by the Scottish government suggested turnover was up by £550m on the previous year.

Ministers said the sector remained on track to meet the industry's turnover target of £16.5bn by 2017.

The figures follow a report out earlier this week that suggested 2014 was a record year for production of Scottish farmed salmon.

Industry-led organisation Scotland Food and Drink described the latest sector-wide figure as "a hugely important milestone".

Chief executive James Withers said: "This success is a direct outcome of the collaboration we've developed in Scotland with different organisations, government and individual companies working collectively.

"It has been a game-changer and has built a national identity for Scottish food and drink, driving growth at twice the rate of the UK average.

"No sector is without challenges. In food and drink, there are rising costs, variable exchange rates and really challenging times for farmers and fishermen who underpin the sector.

"However, the opportunities outweigh the challenges and we've earmarked over £2bn in further growth in the next few years."

'Simply outstanding'

Food Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "To surpass £14bn for the first time is simply outstanding and must give the sector real confidence.

"I am committed to seeing it thrive and flourish which is why the Scottish government and our agencies are working closely with industry to achieve its ambitious targets, which have previously been smashed years ahead of schedule."

A recent Bank of Scotland report suggested that food and drink companies could create 14,000 jobs over the next five years.

The study said several firms had ambitious plans to create new products, target fresh markets and create more jobs.

However, many of the companies warned they were hampered by increasing regulation and rising labour costs.