Cumbernauld firm is the toast of Westminster

The British Soft Drinks Association, which represents the soft drinks industry in the UK, has published a new report ‘Refreshing the Nation’ that demonstrates the significant impact the industry makes to economic growth, job creation and innovation in Cumbernauld.

The research carried out by beverage specialists Canadean found that the soft drinks industry:

· Contributes around £7.7 billion to the UK economy - £1.4 billion directly from investment and spending.

· Supports 135,000 jobs in the UK, around 20,000 of these directly with soft drinks companies, and 115,000 through the wider supply chain.

· Employs 880 people in Scotland at companies such as A G Barr and Coca-Cola.

· Exported £233 million in the first half of 2013, a 6.7% increase compared with the same period in 2012.

The BSDA report was launched at an event held at Westminster on Wednesday 27 November 2013.

During the event, Gregg McClymont MP met with local soft drinks companies including A. G. Barr to learn more about their presence in Scotland.

Gavin Partington, BSDA Director General, said: “The soft drinks industry is a significant contributor to UK plc, not only on economic growth, but through innovation, job creation and skills across the whole country including in Cumbernauld. We are proud of the contribution we make and are delighted to celebrate this success.”

John Stevenson MP, chairman for the All Party Parliamentary Group on Food and Drink Manufacturing, said: “The soft drinks industry plays a hugely important role in the UK not just producing drinks but encouraging innovation, supporting healthy living and creating sustainable jobs. The industry will continue to be hugely important to the economy for many years to come, and I am delighted to support the sector.”