Sales increase in Scotland's food and drink industry

The cabinet secretary for rural affairs Richard Lochhead said sales figures had grown from £10.2 billion to £11.2 billion between 2007 and 2008. Turnover had increased by a similar amount bringing the sector closer to reaching the £12.5 billion target for 2017. Lochhead said: "Scotland's food and drink is already a fantastic success story and an industry punching well above its weight. We have producers, suppliers, fishermen, farmers and manufacturers to be extremely proud of. Consumers, at home and abroad, have also played a vital role by recognising Scotland's quality food and drink sector. "The latest figures mark a significant step towards achieving the vision to grow its turnover to 12.5 billion pounds by 2017, which was increased only last year from 10 billion pounds. Productivity in Scotland is far outperforming the UK equivalent. GVA per employee has risen from 68,700 pounds to 77,600 pounds, surpassing UK figures. Paul McLaughlin, chief executive of Scotland Food and Drink, added: "The sector must invest more in the Research and Development of what is a booming industry. Given that innovation represents the future of the industry, we are addressing this as a high priority. "Scotland Food and Drink's unique Food and Health Innovation Centre is set to launch before the year end and we believe this will play a crucial role in kick starting research and development."