Food Manufacture’s readers react to Scottish food map

The map – produced by business consultancy firm Johnston Carmichael – sparked a strong response from FoodManufacture.co.uk’s ​readers, who called for iconic Scottish food and drink to have protected country of origin status.

While a number of readers praised the map for highlighting some of the best in Scottish produce, many said manufacturers needed to brand their products with the Saltire ­– the Scottish national flag – to differentiate it from British produce.

Reader Sheila Rae said: “I think it is essential that country of origin should be on all food items. I have noticed that most fruit and vegetables have in-house supermarket codes that mask country of origin.​

‘Ludicrous and misleading to world markets’​

“I strongly object to the Union Jack now replacing the Saltire on Scottish goods – marking haggis as British is ludicrous and misleading to world markets.​

Some readers said Scottish produce needed to be protected in the same way as Cornish pasties and Melton Mowbray pies, with the Saltire used as an easily recognisable sign of good quality.

FoodManufacture.co.uk ​reader Sandie Knudsen added: “Our brand and our flag is not only strong, but is known the world over. Please push for all food produced in Scotland to bear the Saltire Flag. Not the Union flag, but the Saltire.​

“We must all place a high priority on keeping Scotland the brand and not allow the watering down of the brand.”​

While receiving general praise from readers, some said the map could have showcased other iconic food and drink products.

One reader called out the lack of venison, grouse and pheasant present on the map, while another lamented the use of a leg bone to represent the north east coast to Inverness.

Lack of venison, grouse and pheasant​

Reader Sophie Day said: “Scotland really is nature’s larder, so please don't homogenise our fabulous produce by sticking a generic UK flag on it.​

However, one reader said manufacturers should take advantage of the strong “UK brand”​ to promote their Scottish products.

“The Union flag is known and respected worldwide, therefore I suggest it should always be used when advertising or packaging produce from the Scottish region,” ​said the reader identified as Proud Scot.

Commenting on the reaction to its food map, Adam Hardie, head of food and drink at Johnston Carmichael, said: “It’s fantastic to see our food map of Scotland receiving a strong response, highlighting the huge appetite for Scottish produce across the globe. ​

“Scotland has a world class food and drink industry and we created the map to shine a spotlight on the quality and diversity of the country’s rich, natural larder. Scottish craft beer and craft gin have also taken off in recent years, landing on the runway that Scotch whisky prepared for us.”​

Johnston Carmichael’s map of Scotland​ highlighted the growing success of the food and drink industry – a key driver of the country’s economy.