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  5. Food and drink sector partners

Food and drink sector partners

3 minute read • Last updated: 25 February 2025

Scotland’s food and drink industry is supported by organisations that help businesses grow, improve sustainability, and stay competitive. These sector partners provide advice on regulations, marketing, staff training, and food tourism trends, ensuring businesses have the right resources to succeed.

Whether you are a food producer, farm experience or part of the hospitality industry, these organisations are ready to offer guidance, networking opportunities, and support, to make your business the best it can be. 

In this article:

  • Scotland Food & Drink
  • Scottish Agritourism
  • Food and Drink Federation Scotland
  • Seafood Scotland
  • Scottish Licensed Trade Association
  • World Food Travel Association

Scotland Food & Drink

Providing its members with support, resources and training opportunities, Scotland Food & Drink encourages businesses of all sizes and levels of experience to reach their full potential in a sustainable, profitable and responsible manner.

Scotland Food & Drink delivers market intelligence and development services to help food and drink businesses identify and exploit new market opportunities and enhance efficiencies. They also facilitate networking events connecting businesses with new and existing contacts and offer professional advice to help manage costs across areas such as marketing and legal regulations.

Scotland Food & Drink also leads the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership, a collaborative alliance of key industry organisations and public sector agencies.

Find out more about Scotland Food & Drink and the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership.

Scottish Agritourism

Family picking berries at Cairnie Fruit Farm

Cairnie Fruit Farm

The official body for agritourism in Scotland, Scottish Agritourism’s membership brings together entrepreneurial farmers and other rural businesses that are offering a quality experience to both visitors and local customers. They provide leadership and a voice to represent and grow this sector.

Scottish Agritourism supports their members to become more visible and profitable through specialised expertise in business development, marketing, and sustainability. By fostering innovative agritourism practices and promoting direct farm-to-visitor interactions, they help rural businesses thrive and contribute to the local economy. 

Find out more from Scottish Agritourism. 

Food and Drink Federation Scotland

Food and Drink Federation Scotland (FDF Scotland) is a membership organisation for food and drink manufacturers of all sizes, ensuring a voice for members views when engaging with the Scottish Parliament, Scottish Government, other policy makers and the media.

FDF Scotland supports food and drink manufacturers by helping them grow, stay competitive, and meet industry regulations. It provides advice on sustainability, skills development, and market trends. The organisation also works with the government to make sure businesses have the right support to succeed in a changing market. 

Find out more about Food and Drink Federation Scotland. 

Seafood Scotland

A plate with a range of seafood including langoustine and crab claws

Scottish seafood from the Lobster Shop, Montrose.

The national trade and marketing organisation for the Scottish seafood industry, Seafood Scotland’s key focus is on raising awareness of the quality and provenance of our seafood around the world.

Seafood Scotland helps seafood businesses grow by supporting marketing, business development, and sustainability efforts. It connects businesses with new markets, improves supply chains, and provides industry advice.

By working with partners in Scotland and internationally, Seafood Scotland ensures the seafood industry remains strong, competitive, and meets high environmental and quality standards. 

Find out more from Seafood Scotland. 

Scottish Licensed Trade Association

The Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) is the only national organisation which represents all sectors of the Scottish licensed trade industry.

As a voice for pubs, bars, restaurants, and hospitality businesses, the SLTA engages with partners and the media and in consultations with the UK and Scottish governments.

As well as speaking up for the industry on important issues, the SLTA offers its members advice on licensing, regulations, and business management, helping businesses stay competitive and supporting responsible trade practices to keep the sector strong.

Find out more about the Scottish Licensed Trade Association. 

World Food Travel Association

The World Food Travel Association (WFTA) is a non-profit, non-political, non-governmental organization and is recognised as a premier authority on food and beverage tourism globally with a focus on promoting and preserving destinations’ unique culinary traditions and heritage.

The WFTA helps businesses and destinations grow food tourism by offering research, training, and networking. It promotes local food experiences to attract visitors and boost the economy. The organisation also provides advice on how to develop unique and sustainable food tourism experiences. 

Find out more from the World Food Travel Association. 

Further partner support

Find out about other key partners such as industry groups, enterprise agencies and local councils who can help you grow your business and provide advice and support.

See all tourism partners

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