Funding of £300,000 revealed for Scotland's food and drink industry

The investment will be used by Scotland Food & Drink for a number of projects, including a marketing and branding development programme and support to food and drink events including Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight. By 2017 the industry - including food and drink processing, agriculture, fishing and aquaculture - aims to be generating £12.5 billion turnover. Under the leadership of Scotland Food & Drink, the sector has signed up to a joint strategy for growth for the first time. Scotland Food & Drink aims to meet its target by focusing on growth in three key consumer trends: premium, provenance and health. The industry organisation has also set challenging new targets to grow Scotland's food and drink exports from £3.8 billion to £5 billion. Rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead said: "Scotland's thriving food and drink sector is one of our key economic strengths and genuine success stories. There is clearly a feel good factor currently sweeping through the majority of the industry - despite a challenging economic climate. This momentum will be further boosted by plans for a year-long celebration of our iconic produce." Paul McLaughlin, Scotland Food & Drink chief executive, added: "Economic growth in the food and drink industry is absolutely vital to Scotland's recovery. The sector continues to demonstrate resilience but must continue to explore new opportunities. We are providing advice and support to those companies who want to be part of Scotland's food and drink revolution."