Scotland’s first minister and rural affairs secretary have unveiled a new brand for the country’s dairy sector, described as a key part of the government’s plans to get the industry back on track following the impact of falling milk prices on farmers.
Nicola Sturgeon and Richard Lochhead presented the brand – with labels featuring the wording “Scottish dairy – made with 100% Scottish milk” – at this year’s Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh. The logo will be added to products such as cheese and butter and, as well as signposting shoppers to Scottish produce, will help to boost the profile of Scottish dairy among overseas retailers and buyers.
It has been developed by the Scottish Dairy Growth Board, which is headed up by the CEO of Scottish jam producer Mackays, Paul Grant.
First minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “As one of the greatest agricultural showcases in the world, it is fitting that this new Scottish dairy trademark has been unveiled at the Royal Highland Show.
“Scottish food and drink exports are booming – valued at more than £5.1bn last year. Scotch beef, salmon and shellfish are recognised the world over for their excellence and Scottish provenance. People recognise the Scottish brand, they associate the country with quality food and drink and clearly other Scottish sectors, such as dairy, can benefit from that too.
“I want to put the spotlight firmly on our fantastic produce for retailers in Scotland and buyers from around the globe. This new brand will help consumers support Scottish producers and help in marketing our excellent produce abroad.”
Rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead added: “The dairy sector is vitally important to Scotland and the Scottish Dairy Brand is all about added value – it highlights there is so much more to the sector than just milk alone.
“The dairy sector’s future is of real importance to Scotland – that is why I am calling for country of origin labelling to be made mandatory at EU level, with the flexibility to use labels such as ‘Made in Scotland’.”
The move has been announced after falling milk prices caused difficulties for Scottish farmers in recent months, and follows the Irish dairy board’s decision to unveil a new identity that “acknowledges and celebrates our proud dairy heritage,” the board’s chief executive said at the unveiling back in April.
Lochhead continued: “It is clear from other sectors just how powerful a Scottish brand can be. Evidence suggests that the Scotch Beef brand adds around £20m annually at the farmgate, and almost £40m in retail across the UK, which is a premium of around 12% – I am therefore hopeful and optimistic that we can see a similar premium for our dairy industry.”
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