An international manager has been appointed to help grow overseas sales of Scottish bakery products.

Scottish Bakers Export Group – which was established two years ago to represent the Scottish bakery sector overseas – has created the new role to identify business opportunities in existing and new markets around the world.

Appointee Roddy Wilde, who will take up the post later this month, is described as a highly experienced export manager who has also helped the Scottish dairy sector develop a collaborative approach to exporting. 

Announcing the appointment today (6 May) at the Scottish Bakers annual conference in Glasgow, MSP Fergus Ewing, cabinet secretary for rural economy and connectivity, said: “The Scottish bakery sector employs over 12,000 people and has a turnover of £1.3 billion – up 24% since 2008.

“However, we must not stand still. As such, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Roddy Wilde as the Scottish Bakers Export Groups new international manager. He will work to enhance the competitive position of our bakers internationally and I wish him all the best in his new role.”

Scottish Bakers chief executive Alan Clarke added: "At this time of great political change, it is vital that our sector embraces the global interest in Scottish food and drink and really takes advantage of the growth opportunities export markets offer. We look forward to supporting Roddy and to sharing in success I am sure will come to our Export Group members."

Formed in April 2015, the Scottish Bakers Export Group is chaired by Martin Lighbody of Lightbody Ventures. Its key objectives are to:

•             secure new markets for members’ products

•             raise awareness and enhance the high quality of members’ products

•             represent the Scottish bakery sector overseas

Members include – Lightbodys Ventures, McGhees, Aulds, Argos Bakery, Reid’s bakery, Mclean’s highland bakery, Bells Group and Ashers Bakery.