Food and drink accounts for a significant amount of Scotland’s exports, with salmon and whisky contributing to much of these. These industries face ongoing challenges from key issues, such as supply chain concerns and ensuring the sustainability of their products. The work at several universities and research institutes within Edinburgh and the surrounding area has helped inform and develop best practice across these industries. The proximity of producers, policy makers and research organisations within the city encourages the multidisciplinary collaboration on key research topics required to find workable solutions.
Scotland is playing a major role in the global race to increase food production, improve the environment and promote plant breeding. The Scottish Rural College based in Edinburgh tackles some of the world’s most urgent issues and produces research that influences industry and communities through their challenge centres for Future Food Systems, Food Safety, Natural Capital and Data Innovation.
Conferences coming up within the food and drink sector to Edinburgh
- World Distilled Spirits Conference, 9-11 May 2023, EICC
- Society for Experimental Biology (SEB) Centenary Conference, 4-7 July 2023, EICC