ONE SeedPod Launches £27 Million Project to Bolster Scottish Food and Drink Sector
Portfolio | Mar 14, 2025 | Scottish Enterprise
The ONE SeedPod initiative, spearheaded by Opportunity North East (ONE), is set to be a significant boost to Scotland's food and drink manufacturing sector. The £27 million project forms part of the Aberdeen City Region Deal and marks the largest public-private investment in the sector’s growth. This new hub is designed to enable businesses to scale operations, develop innovative products, and test novel processes. Supported by £5 million each from the Scottish and UK governments and an additional £3.1 million from the Scottish Government through the Just Transition Fund, the SeedPod aims to catalyze industry growth. The facility will house 11 food-safe manufacturing kitchens and other state-of-the-art amenities promoting innovation. The project has garnered high-profile support from Scotland's Deputy First Minister and UK Government officials. Located at Scotland's Rural College's Craibstone Campus, the hub will not only bolster the regional economy but also enhance Scotland's standing as a leader in sustainable food production.
Sectors
- Food and Drink Manufacturing
- Public-Private Investment
Geography
- Scotland – The article is centered on a project in Scotland, specifically focusing on the food and drink manufacturing sector in the North East region.
- United Kingdom – Includes broader UK governmental participation and investment in the ONE SeedPod project.
Industry
- Food and Drink Manufacturing – The industry focus of the article, highlighting the development of the ONE SeedPod project to enhance the food and drink manufacturing sector in Scotland.
- Public-Private Investment – The article discusses the collaborative investment from public and private entities to boost the Scottish food and drink sector.
Financials
- £27 million – Total investment in the ONE SeedPod project to enhance the food and drink manufacturing sector.
- £5 million – Contribution from each of the Scottish and UK governments as part of co-funding for the project.
- £3.1 million – Additional funding from the Scottish Government provided through the Just Transition Fund.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opportunity North East (ONE) | Project Leader | Company | A not-for-profit focused on economic growth in North East Scotland, leading the ONE SeedPod initiative. |
| Scottish Enterprise | Supporter and Investor | Company | A public body aimed at stimulating sustainable economic growth in Scotland. |
| Food Hub (NES) Ltd | Chair | Company | A not-for-profit organization involved in supporting the project. |
| Robertson Construction Eastern | Main Contractor | Company | Construction company responsible for building the ONE SeedPod. |
| UK Government | Co-Funder | Government | Provided financial support as part of the Aberdeen City Region Deal. |
| Scottish Government | Co-Funder | Government | Provided additional funding through the Just Transition Fund. |
| Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) | Strategic Partner | Company | Hosts ONE SeedPod on its campus, contributing to the project. |