A WARM tribute has been paid to the retiring chair of Scotland Food & Drink after it was announced yesterday that he is stepping down from the role in April, writes Martin Hannan.

David Kilshaw, who chaired the group which created the organisation in 2007, signalled the end of his three-year term as chair by handing over to vice-chair David Overton founder of Aquascot.

Both men were crucial in establishing Scotland Food & Drink, the industry leadership body for the country’s farming, fishing, food and drink sector, which works hard to promote Scottish-branded produce. As well as being a founding director of the organisation, Kilshaw was its vice-chair for seven years, before being appointed its chair in 2015.

He continues to play a leading role in the sector as chief executive of Insignia Technologies, the world-leading, smart packaging business which is at the forefront of the fight against food waste. He also continues as chairman of seafood business Joseph Robertson and free-from bakery business Lazy Day Foods.

Kilshaw received an OBE in 2006 for services to the Scottish industry and his successor credits him with a major role in building Scotland Food & Drink.

Overton said: “Our food and drink industry has gone from static growth 10 years ago to becoming the best performing sector in Scotland’s economy. David Kilshaw’s leadership has been central to that.

“He had a vision for a collaborative leadership body, to forge a deep partnership across industry and the public sector and drive a new era of growth. We have seen that vision become a reality in recent years and we have the strongest-ever platform to now build on.

Kilshaw said: “It has been a privilege to have been at the heart of Scotland Food & Drink’s journey over the last 10 years – it was a pioneering concept of leadership and collaboration between the industry, the Government and its agencies. The success of the organisation is one I am immensely proud of and it is down to the hard work of many people that I have had the good fortune to work with around our board table and across industry and public sector bodies.

“The small group of us that developed the concept of Scotland Food & Drink hoped it would drive forward the industry. However, it has surpassed even my high expectations and it is now recognised as a model to follow.”