AS Scotland approaches next year’s Holyrood election, the policies parties commit to in their manifestos will shape the nation’s economic future for decades to come.

Among the sectors that define Scotland’s identity and underpin its prosperity, food and drink stands out – not just for its scale but for its resilience, innovation and global reputation.

Figures announced this week value the Scottish food and drink industry at almost £19 billion, a new record high. Calculated as part of the Scottish Government ’s Annual Business Survey and the Farming and Agricultural Census, the valuation relates to 2023, making the achievement even more remarkable considering the macro environment at the time – fallout from Brexit, the war in Ukraine , the Middle East crisis and economic recovery

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