Food and drink

Diversity is the outstanding characteristic of the food and drink industry in the Highlands and Islands. From the best in meat, fish, game, cheese and dairy products to confectionery, whisky and beer, the variety of products is matched by the disparate nature of the outlet locations, the scale of operation, the product markets and the skills required.

The total value of sales for the sector is in excess of £350 million, with the industry as a whole employing almost 5,000 people, excluding those who are self-employed.

Assistance for food and drink businesses in the Highlands and Islands can be accessed through the HIE network. Please use the links on this page to find out more.

Feeding the Interest

A discussion of the potential benefits of the local food sector to the economy, the environment,communities and health in Scotland - 2004. Download your copy, above right.

HIE places particular emphasis on the development of the food and drink sector as, from past research, it is estimated to generate sales in excess of £600 million per annum and supports over 7,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs across the region.

The main objective of this study was to determine whether the UK market development programme was successful in in achieving its objectives and its associated outputs. It was also important to determine whether the businesses that took part in the programmes activities attained any of the expected benefits and to what degree.

The full study report is available to download here (right) in Adobe pdf format.