The Food and Drink sector in Scotland is recognised as an industry of high importance, generating around £10 billion each year. The sector is particularly susceptible to open innovation, and can draw on research and development from related sectors, including nanotechnology and biotechnology. Academic expertise in Scotland is strong in both Food and Drink and related sectors, with globally recognised centres of excellence in areas such as Health, Nutrition and Crop Research.
The fight against diseases such as obesity, type II diabetes and coronary heart disease is now at the forefront of Government activity in the health arena. Recent World Health Organisation figures estimated that more than 23 million people will die from cardiovascular diseases over the next twenty years. The link between a healthy lifestyle and disease prevention has never been more apparent, and there is growing demand for healthier, more nutritional sources of food and drink.
The global sports nutrition market alone is valued at around $27-32 billion. The sector is no longer a niche area aimed solely at professional athletes, but now caters for consumers aiming to live a healthier lifestyle through a process of regular physical activity and healthy eating. A recent Mintel report placed a value of £941 million on the sport and energy drinks market for 2008.
Another emerging market, the functional foods sector, is an area showing great potential for Scottish companies. The sector comprises a range of health enhancing foods such as probiotic and prebiotic yoghurt drinks, and cholesterol lowering products. In 2009, Euromonitor estimated nutriceuticals sales of $236 billion, with the UK market for functional foods valued at £1.46bn in the same year.