More food businesses benefit from funding

Sixteen food businesses have been awarded more than £1.1 million by the Scottish Government in the latest round of funding from the Food Processing, marketing and Co-operation Scheme (FPMC).

The money is part of £20 million allocated so far will create 77 jobs and safeguard 507.

Businesses include Highland Game Ltd who will receive 116,238 to build an extension and purchase new equipment including machines to print their distinguishing labels and Argyll Food Producers Limited who will be awarded £29,000 to promote their goods to a wider audience. Others include Quality Meat Scotland, Q&Q Foods, Scot Chip Ltd and Stuart Grant Quality Meats.

Food Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "We are continuing to strengthen Scotland's reputation as a world-renowned food producer and the Saltire is recognised across the globe as a stamp of outstanding quality. Sales of Scottish brands are up 21 per cent across Scotland, England and Wales in just two years, while Scottish food and drink exports have also increased.

"These latest grants represent a small but significant slice of the funding that will allow many Scottish companies to develop and help ensure locally sourced produce is available to everyone around the country."

Malcolm Allan of Malcolm Allan Ltd added: "This award will help us to increase turnover, create jobs, be more efficient both from a production and energy perspective. Demand for our products has never been greater and this award will let us take advantage of that."

To date, 114 projects have been awarded £20m from FPMC.

Words: Maria Bracken

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