MDSC - Unlocking Market Opportunities

In a bid to unlock some of the biggest and most lucrative market opportunities for the Scottish food and drink sector, SAOS delivered the Market Driven Supply Chains (MDSC) project with funding from Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Government. The project ran between 2014-2020 and helped more than 150 businesses add value throughout the chain while securing over £50m of sales and efficiency savings.

What was it?

Launched in 2014 as a result of research commissioned by Scottish Enterprise, the project focused on building supply chain capability and capacity by developing practical solutions to overcome barriers in accessing both UK and export markets. Businesses could apply to get support and advice on anything from logistics to ingredient sourcing and marketing. Key focus areas of MDSC included:

• Exploring joint investment
• Improving efficiency and lean thinking
• Developing logistics solutions
• Addressing market entry barriers
• Collaborative relationship building and developing shared market vision
• Knowledge sharing and communication flow improvement
• Enhancing capacity, capability and added value
• Creating new supply chain structures and models

During the six years that the MDSC project was active, it engaged over 1,500 farmers and farmer co-ops; nearly 150 companies; and 50 organisations.   

Why?

MDSC was launched as the industry faced significant supply chain issues, while at the same time consumer interest in products with Scottish provenance was gaining momentum. SAOS was chosen as delivery partner, after a competitive tendering process, thanks to our unique expertise spanning both co-operation and supply chain development.

What did SAOS do?

SAOS’s role was to act as a trusted broker and facilitator; bringing a broad and eclectic view of the industry and the issues it was facing and offering real world practical solutions and access to an extensive network of expertise. This involved plenty of problem solving, networking, supply chain analysis and business development. 

Who did we work with?

In addition to the 1,500+ farmers/farmer co-ops and 100+ businesses mentioned above, throughout the project, SAOS worked closely with Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Development International, Scotland Food & Drink, industry partner organisations and Scottish Government.  

Impact

More than 50 projects were delivered under the MDSC workstream, which together delivered over £55m to the industry in the form of sales and efficiency savings. It also secured £1.8m of additional capital investment, 20 new markets were entered, and more than 1,200 jobs protected.

One successful example was a poultry producer who wanted to access new markets. MDSC and Scottish Enterprise helped strengthen links with farmers and assisted with branding and marketing, investment in infrastructure, and quality assurance accreditation. As a result, sales were boosted by 60%, five new jobs were created and new business to the value of £1m was secured.