The Scotland Food & Drink Partnership has announced the release of a new handbook designed to assist food and drink businesses in their efforts to achieve a Net Zero Commitment. The Navigating Net Zero Handbook, available for free download, serves as a valuable resource to aid companies in navigating the intricate landscape of sustainability while working towards climate change targets.
Filled with practical advice and achievable targets, the handbook aims to align hospitality businesses with Scotland’s national net zero emissions goal of 2045. This initiative is especially pertinent given the increasing emphasis on sustainability in the food and drink industry, particularly in Scotland.
Data from a 2023 Visitor Survey by VisitScotland reveals that 46% of visitors to Scotland participate in food and drink experiences, with 19% of long-haul travellers specifically choosing Scotland for its culinary offerings. Furthermore, a recent 2024 Voice of the Consumer Survey by PwC indicates that 80% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainably produced goods, with some willing to spend up to 10% more on environmentally friendly products. These findings underscore the growing significance of sustainability in the industry.
Iain Clunie, the Net Zero Programme director, has highlighted the importance of the food and drink industry taking proactive measures to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts against climate change. He emphasized the need for businesses to comprehend the terminology related to emissions and net zero in order to effectively drive change within Scotland’s food and drink industry. With a comprehensive understanding of these key terms, businesses can actively engage in discussions, analyse data, and make well-informed decisions regarding sustainability.
The Scotland Food & Drink Partnership acts as a unifying force for 450 Scottish food, drink, agriculture, and aquaculture entities, aiming to bring together government agencies and industry in pursuit of a common goal. This encompasses the implementation of a 10-year national food and drink strategy, ‘Sustaining Scotland. Supplying the World’.
The release of the Navigating Net Zero Handbook marks a significant step in equipping food and drink businesses with the necessary tools to make meaningful strides towards sustainability. By providing accessible guidance and support, the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership aims to empower companies to not only achieve their sustainability goals, but also contribute to a more environmentally conscious and responsible food and drink industry.
The handbook is readily available for download, and we strongly urge all stakeholders in the food and drink sector to take advantage of this valuable resource to bolster their sustainability initiatives. Together, we can strive towards a more sustainable future for Scotland’s food and drink industry.