About us

Scotland’s experts on farmer co-ops and food industry collaboration, we work with food and farming businesses to make them more profitable, competitive, and sustainable - #workingtogether to shape the future, today.

What we do

All our work helps facilitate farmers and food and drink businesses to work together effectively. Over the years we've expanded and developed subsidiary businesses - getting the right people together and making innovative advancements - to help benefit food, farming and rural Scotland.

Events & Training

Developing staff capability is one of the most effective ways to improve a co-op’s performance. Check out our events and training programme - most of which are open to non co-op members too.

Membership

As a development organisation, owned by our members, we provide a range of specialist services not available elsewhere, to assist them in developing their people and their businesses. Get in touch to find out how we can help you.

What's New

See below for all the latest news, views and updates from us here at SAOS. Find all our latest videos on YouTube at: SAOS - working together in food and farming

Sourcing for Growth

We know Scotland and the rest of the UK currently import approximately 40% of the food and drink we consume. Many of these goods can be, and are, already being produced here in Scotland. 

Sourcing for Growth connects food manufacturers with local producers of high-quality Scottish produce and service providers, such as contract packers, to help businesses grow and build resilience.

If you're looking to match up with either a buyer or supplier, we'll need a few details about your business and what you're looking for to get started.

Click on the links here to start your Matching Machine journey today:

Searching for suppliers?

Searching for manufacturers?

Or check out some of our Current Opportunities looking to match 

 

How does the Match Making process work?

We recognise the significance of strategic partnerships and will help you build new relationships with other businesses who offer complementary inputs and shared objectives. 

Working with you, we will:

  • Identify potential suppliers, buyers and service providers using our expert networks, media and data sources
  • Facilitate and introduce potential supply chain partners
  • Explore joint working and collaborative opportunities
  • Provide a personalised approach with confidentiality at its core
  • Keep you fully informed throughout the process.

To help us understand your offer, either as a buyer or a seller, we'll need some information. The links above will take you to a short enquiry form (all of your information will remain confidential unless you instruct us otherwise.)

 

What happens next?

Following the initial enquiry and with your agreement to proceed, we will:

  • Confirm details of your enquiry and agree 'posting' of your enquiry (business names are not mentioned in these)
  • Publish these posting on our website here and social media
  • Explore the opportunity with our networks to identify matches
  • Provide introductions and facilitation to your new potential partner or partners
  • Conclude the enquiry, gather feedback and develop case studies where appropriate.

 

The Sourcing for Growth service is a key part of the
Scotland Food & Drink delivery programme. 

Current Opportunities

We also have a 'would like to meet' list of current opportunities
that are available.

This list is updated regularly with new enquiries,
get in touch if you'd like to start your matching journey.

Current Opportunities

How does SFG help?

The are multiple reasons why it makes sense to explore
opportunities for sourcing closer to home.

Find out more

Key contacts

Douglas Bowden-Smith

Douglas Bowden-Smith

Douglas Bowden-Smith

Project Development Executive

07435 047593 | douglas.bowden-smith@saos.coop

Alan Stevenson

Alan Stevenson

Alan Stevenson

Supply Chain Specialist

0141 5631112 | alan.stevenson@saos.coop