Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland has launched its 2026 manifesto, setting out priorities for Scotland’s food and drink manufacturing industry.

In its 2026 manifesto, the membership body for Scotland’s food and drink manufacturers has called on “bold action” from Government to secure the future of the sector.

Scotland’s food and drink manufacturers contribute £5.2 billion to the economy and support 47,000 jobs across the country, and FDF said that a strong partnership between businesses and the next Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament is needed to ensure the industry can “continue to grow, provide highly-skilled jobs, and achieve net zero”. 

FDF Scotland vice chair Katherine Durie commented: “We need to ensure our workforce has the skills and opportunities to thrive.

“Through the industry working in partnership with government, a skills system can be created that truly reflects the needs of our businesses and our people. Together, we can help every individual in our sector reach their full potential and keep Scotland at the forefront of food and drink innovation.”

Key manifesto goals

The manifesto has laid out a set of priorities that is said are designed to help Scotland’s food and drink manufacturers thrive, continue to deliver healthier and safe food, and lead the way in sustainability:

• Support business growth by creating a consistent, evidence-based regulatory environment, minimising policy divergence across the UK, and providing multi-year, ring-fenced grants to drive investment and innovation.

• Build a highly-skilled, resilient workforce through reforming skills delivery, targeted employer support for training, and meaningful engagement with industry to shape effective policies.
• Work together towards net zero by supporting climate change innovation, the implementation of a national food and drink climate transition plan, and ensuring recycling and waste improvement funds are ring-fenced by local authorities.

“With the right support from Government, we can drive real change – not just for our industry, but for Scotland’s environment and communities.”

David Thomson, CEO of FDF Scotland, commented: “Our manufacturers are ready to embrace the challenge of net zero and sustainability, but we can’t do it alone. With the right support from Government, we can drive real change – not just for our industry, but for Scotland’s environment and communities. I ask policymakers to work with us to help secure a greener, more prosperous future for everyone.”

FDF Scotland chair James Macsween added: “As someone who has grown up in Scotland’s food and drink sector, I see how our industry brings communities together and supports people across the country. This manifesto is not just a set of policies – it’s a call to action for the next Scottish Government and Parliament to champion our businesses, invest in our future, and help us continue to deliver food and drink that Scotland can be proud of.”