Food and Drink Sector at Heart of our Future Economy

Posted: 17 June 2025

Putting the Food and Drink Sector at the Heart of our Future Economy

North East Scotland’s food and drink industry is central to the region’s economic future. The sector is significant in its scale, embedded in our communities, and has further potential for innovation, growth, and job creation, writes Stanley Morrice MBE, chair of the food, drink and agriculture board at Opportunity North East.

As the UK's largest manufacturing sector, the food and drink industry plays a crucial role in the economy, with our region contributing over 20% of the sector’s total output in Scotland. In Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen, and Moray, over 22,000 people are employed across manufacturing, processing, agriculture, and seafood, generating an impressive annual turnover of £2.4 billion, much of which is attributed to high-value exports.

Our diverse range of food and drink businesses includes everything from innovative startups to well-established national brands. With robust farming and fishery supply chains, we are uniquely positioned to collaborate, innovate, add value, and foster growth.

Last month, I had the privilege of joining around 200 members of the food and drink community at the 2025 North East Scotland Food & Drink Awards. We celebrated the achievements of emerging and established businesses, as well as the talented, ambitious, and dedicated individuals behind their growth. The event highlighted some extraordinary examples of innovation and success within our industry.

It's inspiring to witness many forward-thinking entrepreneurs and founders achieving remarkable results. While ambition is the beginning, the right environment, infrastructure, and support are essential to transforming that ambition into tangible success.

At Opportunity North East (ONE), we are dedicated to driving growth, innovation, and job creation in key sectors. Over the past nine years, we've provided practical support to food and drink businesses through programmes focusing on entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, market development, and mentoring. Working with regional and national partners, we have secured resources that empower entrepreneurs, founders, and business leaders.

A significant milestone in this journey is the launch of ONE SeedPod—Scotland's food and drink innovation hub. Equipped with 11 food-safe manufacturing kitchens, product development kitchens, and an impressive demonstration kitchen, ONE SeedPod is designed to help businesses innovate, scale production, and grow.

ONE SeedPod is a resounding vote of confidence in the future of food and drink production from the project’s funding partners; the Scottish and UK Governments, Opportunity North East, Scottish Enterprise, and Scotland's Rural College (SRUC).

Whether you're a producer, manufacturer, or part of the vibrant supply chain from farm to fork, our community is a driving force in the heart of this region's economy and leads Scotland in premium products.

Let's continue to work together in championing food and drink manufacturing and production. I am excited to see what we will achieve together next in the industry that nourishes our communities and fuels our economy.