Grant Thornton report reveals untapped potential of UK food and drink manufacturing industry

A new Food and Drink Federation (FDF) commissioned industry-wide report by Grant Thornton has highlighted key growth opportunities for the food and drink industry, the UK's largest manufacturing sector.

The report, which is to be launched at FDF's parliamentary reception, also explores the obstacles the industry faces, the unique geographical spread of the sector and its importance to the wider UK economy.

Read our press release

View the executive summary

Download the full report

Masterchef winner judges Scottish schools challenge

On 31 May teams of pupils from primary schools across Scotland took part in a cook-off judged by a team of 'dragons' - including MasterChef: The Professionals winner Gary MacLean.

This event held at City of Glasgow College was the final of a national competition run jointly by Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland, Education Scotland, ASSIST FM and sponsored by Brakes Scotland.

The competition challenged pupils to create a new innovative 'one-pot dish' that could be sold in Scottish schools as a standalone product or as part of a school meal.

St Margaret's R.C Primary, Fife, won the competition with their Sunday Roast Pie.

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Bathgate Academy raise money for local charity as part of food challenge

Lucky shoppers from TESCO in Bathgate took home some tasty Scotch Beef PGI burgers in exchange for a donation to charity. This fundraising event was organised by pupils from Bathgate Academy.

This event was set up as part of successful partnership between Bathgate Academy and leading Broxburn-based beef processor AK Stoddart. AK Stoddart challenged teams of S2 students from the Academy to produce a new Scotch Beef PGI burger to be part of their product range.

AK Stoddart produced the winning Chinese inspired burger: 'Beef Spice and Everything Nice' - created by Adam Rayer, Adam Bradley and Finlay Campbell.

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UK Food and Drink Exports see record growth in first quarter of 2017

• Exports of all UK food and drink in Q1 2017 grew to £4.9bn, up 8.3% on 2016 – the largest Q1 exports value on record
• The UK's top 3 export products remain whisky, salmon and chocolate
• The top 3 export destinations are Ireland, France and the United States
• Export growth to non-EU countries grew at a faster rate than those to the EU

View press release

View 2017 export statistics Q1

New resource to help pupils in Scotland understand food labels

FDF and FDF Scotland, as well as their members from food and drink companies across the country are committed to helping people make informed choices about food.

FDF Scotland has launched a new resource to help teachers and pupils understand food labels.

Download understanding and using food labels presentation

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