MORE than 30 Scottish food and drink companies have shared £7 million in additional sales, after taking part in an Asda supplier development programme.

The scheme, open to suppliers of varying size with local and regional listings, is delivered by Asda with Scotland Food & Drink. It is also backed by the Scottish Government.

Representatives from Graham's Dairies, Mackies and Porrelli collected certificates at the Asda Leith store.

Managing director of Porrelli ice cream firm, Enzo Durante, said: "The Supplier Development Academy is excellent for building our relationship with the retailer. It enables us to spend valuable time with the trading team as well as build relationships with other key colleagues across the business. The programme helped us gain a much better understanding of how Asda operates and what is expected of us as a supplier within each area of the Asda supply chain, and the effort by all to get products on the shelf and into the hands of the consumer."