International manager appointed
Scottish Bakers are capitalising on global demand for their high quality bakery products, including shortbreads, oatcakes, gingerbread and speciality cakes.
An international manager, Roddy Wilde, has been appointed to work to identify business opportunities in existing and new markets around the world and support Scottish businesses which want to take advantage of global interest in the Scottish food and drink sector.
It comes as food exports rose to £1.5 billion in 2016, an increase of 22% from the previous year, and a massive 111% from 2007.
Confirming the appointment while speaking at the Scottish Bakers Conference, Mr Ewing said:
"Our food industry is vital to Scotland. It creates jobs and wealth and helps attract people to the country by promoting our products across the globe. The Scottish bakery sector employs over 12,000 people and has a turnover of £1.3 billion - up 24% since 2008.
"However, we must not stand still. As such, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Roddy Wilde as the Scottish Bakers Export Group's new international manager. He will work to enhance the competitive position of our bakers internationally. I wish him every success in this important new role."
Alan Clarke, Chief Executive of Scottish Bakers said
"At this time of great political change, it is vital that our sector embraces the global interest in Scottish food and drink and really takes advantage of the growth opportunities export markets offer. We look forward to supporting Roddy and to sharing in success I am sure will come to our Export Group members."
Susan Beattie, Head of Food & Drink at SDI said:
"This is a great appointment for the Export Group members who have a fantastic range of products with strong international potential. By working together in specific markets and jointly investing in this new post I believe that they will generate significant new business and further develop their own exporting skills. This is the result of considerable effort and commitment from Scottish Bakers and participating companies and we are delighted to be supporting them."
