Demand for Scottish produce "grows"

He commented that the general public wants to know where items originate from and they are keen to offer help to local farmers.

Lochhead added that one supermarket in the country has seen sales of Scottish products grow by 20% there, while the have risen by 14% in the rest of the UK.

"The Scottish Government wants the freshest, finest future for Scottish food which is why we are busy developing Scotland’s first-ever National Food and Drink Policy," he said.

People are also becoming more self-sufficient, the politician noted, growing their own food as the credit crunch eats into their pockets.

Speaking at the annual Scottish Food Fortnight, Lochhead also contended that food and drinks should be a focal point in the Homecoming Scotland celebrations next year.

The Scottish government also recently announced plans to give firms in the country £6m in funding to create and promote local food.