The number of food establishments across Scotland grew by more than 25% between 2008 and 2014, food secretary Richard Lochhead has announced. He revealed mass growth across the entire sector, despite much of the period being a time of economic struggles for many companies.

Lochhead says, “A 25% increase in the number of food establishments across Scotland in just six years indicates the outstanding strength of Scotland’s food and drink sector.

“Every group in the industry – manufacturers and packers, importers and exporters, distributors and transporters, retailers, restaurants and caterers – reported significant increases in the number of establishments in their area over this six year period.

“Simply put, that is incredible. For the industry to achieve that level of growth over such a short time, during an economic downturn, is nothing short of fantastic and a testament to the people who work in the sector.”

The industry continues to grow, with a 68% increase in the number of establishments importing and exporting produce.