Scotland Food & Drink has made its first London-based appointment, naming Jamie Durkin as UK strategic marketing manager.
His appointment comes as analysis published in the recently launched industry strategy ‘Sustaining Scotland. Supplying the World.’ revealed a £4bn market opportunity for the Scottish food and drink sector to capture across key markets within the next five years, including a £1bn market opportunity in the rest of the UK.
Durkin joins Scotland Food & Drink from consumer goods sales agency Stack Solutions and brings more than 20 years’ experience in the food and drink industry.
He will be responsible for extending Scotland Food & Drink’s reach with customers in London and the wider UK market identifying opportunities for growth across all food and drink sectors, including customer-led initiatives across retail and foodservice that enables food and drink businesses to expand their footprints in the London and national markets.
Amanda Brown, programme director at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “Jamie’s appointment marks a significant step in the rollout of our new UK market activation strategy, and will be the first time we have dedicated resource in London to increase the profile of Scottish food and drink products with new and existing customers. Jamie’s expertise and connections will allow us to identify and develop commercial opportunities for businesses of all sizes and across all sectors as we seek to grow sales in the English market.”
Over his career, Durkin has managed a number of hospitality venues in Edinburgh and London before working in a variety of FMCG sales and partnership roles at brands including craft beer wholesaler Pigs Ears Beers, SAB Miller brewing company and independent beer chain Duvel Moortgat.
He will be based at Scotland House on Victoria Embankment, a Scottish Government co-working and event space where businesses and individuals can work, connect and grow.
