Survey says 84% of Scots want more Scottish food and drink

Research from Scotland Food & Drink's Knowledge Bank found that 84% of Scots want to increase their purchases of Scottish products. Scottish food and drink also has strong appeal across the UK, with 52% of all UK shoppers saying they prefer Scottish products. The figure was 51% among English shoppers and 50% among Northern Irish consumers. The findings were released as Scottish Food & Drink September begins its 17th year, with the month-long campaign encouraging businesses to showcase Scottish producers and their products. Stephen Flynn, cabinet secretary for economy (Image: Scottish Government) The sector collectively contributes £19 billion to the Scottish economy. This year's campaign was launched with a visit by Scotland Food & Drink chief executive Iain Baxter to Heather Hills Farm in Perthshire, where he heard about the family business's honey production. Mark Noonan, managing director of Heather Hills Farm (Image: Scotland Food & Drink) The farm has produced 100% pure Scottish honey since 1945 and now operates 500 hives containing around 20 million bees. Managing director Mark Noonan said the local landscape was central to the character of its products: 'We like to think of our heather honey as the champagne of honeys. Like wine production, honey's quality and flavour profile is directly related to the land and flora from which it is sourced. Half of English shoppers surveyed said they prefer Scottish food and drink products (Image: Scotland Food & Drink) 'We're blessed to be in this beautiful area of Scotland where heather abounds naturally. Our landscape gives us a natural advantage in producing a premium and delicious product range for our customers.' Baxter said the business demonstrated the importance of Scottish provenance. Iain Baxter, chief executive of Scotland Food & Drink (Image: Scotland Food & Drink) 'Heather Hills has an amazing story to tell, and the evidence shows that brands that champion their Scottish provenance are being sought after by consumers,' he said. Cabinet Secretary for Economy Stephen Flynn said the campaign would highlight the people and businesses behind Scotland's food and drink sector, adding: 'I'm proud of Scotland's food and drink industry, which is creating jobs, boosting local economies and putting Scottish produce on plates at home and around the world.'