The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead has said that demand for Scottish produce has increased in the past year.

Speaking at the sixth annual Scottish Food Fortnight launch at Glamis Castle, Lochhead said: “Consumers are becoming increasingly interested in the provenance of what they buy.  They want to know where their food comes from and they want to support local producers.

“Supermarkets recognise this increased demand for Scottish food. I know that one leading supermarket has increased sales of Scottish products in Scotland by 20 per cent and in the rest of the UK by 14 per cent in the last year.

“The Scottish Government wants the freshest, finest future for Scottish food which is why we are busy developing Scotland's first-ever National Food and Drink Policy.

“The seismic shift in consumers' preference for Scottish food shows that the public also want to do their bit to support the local producers.

“We are also seeing more people grow their own food for their own consumption and for local sale. Food prices are forcing us to turn back the clock and become more self-sufficient.”

Lochhead also announced plans to ensure Scotland's world-wide reputation for food and drink was at the heart of next year's Homecoming Scotland celebrations.

He added: “Homecoming will celebrate some of Scotland's great contributions to the world. Our food and drink is up among the best so we need to ensure those returning home next year get to sample it and become international ambassadors for our industry.

“The Scottish Government is therefore funding a post dedicated to ensuring food and drink is properly showcased during Homecoming.”

Scottish Food Fortnight is organised by the Scottish Countryside Alliance Educational Trust, a charity which aims to reconnect people with the countryside. It brings together producers, politicians and the public to celebrate local food and showcase the wealth and quality of Scottish produce. For more information, click here.

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