Generating an annual turnover of over £10.5 billion and providing 45,000 jobs, the food and drink manufacturing industry plays a crucial role within the Scottish economy, contributing£3.6 billion GVA (Gross Value Added). The food and drink sector accounts for 30% of total Scottish manufacturing turnover and almost a quarter of all manufacturing jobs. Furthermore, food and drink manufacturing is responsible for about 71% of Scotland’s full supply chain turnover and over a third of the number of people it employs.

There are more than 1,000 food and drink manufacturing businesses in Scotland with 95% classified as SMEs. The Top 100 food and drink manufacturers in Scotland range in size from distillers William Grant & Sons and Diageo Scotland, ranked respectively first and second with turnovers in excess of £1.1 billion, down to 100th placed Lees Foods bakery business with a turnover of £19.7 million (source: Scotland Food & Drink).

Directly employing 10,000 people in Scotland, including 7,000 in rural areas, Scotch whisky production is central to the Scottish food and drink manufacturing industry. Indeed, Scotch whisky export sales at £4.7 billion represented the lion’s share of total Scottish food and drink exports of £5.8 billion in 2018. However, other sectors within Scotland’s food and drink industry are also thriving including seafood, bakery, brewing and soft drinks. By facilitating investment in innovation and science, the Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that Scotland continues to be a world leader in providing high quality, sustainable food and drink products.

Part of the Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition, being held at the SEC Glasgow on the 15^th - 16^th October 2025, the Food & Drink Show will highlight the key trends and challenges facing the industry, such as productivity issues stemming from labour and skills shortages, barriers to innovation and investment, and the uncertainty surrounding Brexit. The Food & Drink Manufacturing Show will also offer practical advice on overcoming these obstacles. The comprehensive Conference programme will be accompanied by an extensive exhibition of the latest equipment, technology and services available to manufacturers along with new to market food and beverage products.

Exhibitors will showcase

Ingredients, Process Engineering, Packaging Equipment & Materials, Information Technology, Logistics, Materials Handling, Food Safety, Sustainability, Training & Education, Energy, Water, Waste Management, Sustainable Technology, Foodservice Equipment, Food produce etc.