Delivering The Ambition

Now in it's fifth year, our annual Food and Drink Conference this year was the biggest and the best so far. Nearly 150 delegates from all parts of the sector gathered in Edinburgh to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding the new industry mission statement, Ambition 2030. Speakers on the day included Scotland Food & Drink Chief Executive James Withers, Masterchef The Professionals Champion Gary McLean, SWA Chief Executive Karen Betts, QMS Head of Marketing Laurent Vernet and former SSPO Chairman Professor Phil Thomas. Brexit, staffing, finding finance and safeguarding intellectual property were all on the agenda at the half-day event in Surgeon's Hall in Edinburgh. Delegates also heard real life case study stories from companies integral to the success of the Ambition 2030 document with Anna Christopherson talking about the launch and expansion of her group of Swedish bars and restaurants and Jo Stewart from Stewart Brewing laying out her plans for growth and innovation. The conference was hosted by Taste founder Stephen Jardine. "This year we had more delegates and speakers than ever before and that is a measure of the appetite for this event. We are still only scratching the surface of Scotland's food and drink potential and this conference is a vital part of sharing the knowledge and experience to help others on the journey to 2030", he said.