Local provenance top of the menu this Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight
Almost 90% of Scots want to buy more local food and drink.
Scotland Food & Drink has officially launched its annual celebration of Scottish produce with a packed events calendar that aims to encourage the whole nation to ‘Discover what's on your doorstep’ this September.
The latest data from the Knowledge Bank revealed that 89% of shoppers would like to buy more food and drink produced in Scotland when shopping for food to eat at home. Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight is an annual opportunity for individuals and businesses to champion all that Scotland’s larder has to offer.
The Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight campaign, which is now in its 14th year, takes place from Saturday the 2nd to Saturday 16th of September and celebrates the producers, manufacturers, retailers, foodservice, hospitality, Regional Food Groups and Food Tourism Ambassadors that work to get quality Scottish produce on our shelves and tables throughout the year.
Industry leaders toasted the start of Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight at an exclusive event at Lind & Lime, a proud product of The Port of Leith Distillery in Edinburgh.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands Mairi Gougeon said: “It is no secret that Scotland produces some of the finest quality food and drink in the world.
“Our food and drink offering has always been and continues to be of the highest quality. Consumers at home and increasingly around the globe know that every element of the production process is handled with the utmost care and expertise and with a determination to provide incredible produce from all the regions of Scotland.
“Food & Drink Fortnight is an excellent opportunity to celebrate all that Scotland has to offer and I hope that it encourages more and more people to discover what is available right here on their own doorstep.”
Over the next two weeks, Scotland Food & Drink is working closely with its Regional Food Groups and Regional Food Ambassadors to promote a line-up of regional events, as well as spotlighting produce from across Scotland that is stocked everywhere from shops, restaurants, cafes and bars to delis and markets.
Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Food at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “Scottish food and drink is world-renowned. The country is home to some of the best quality produce in the market with innovative and determined individuals working hard to make our sector such a success story. The Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight offers the whole industry the opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the nation’s best producers, and celebrate the achievements of our home-grown brands.
“I’d encourage everyone to use the Fortnight as an opportunity to explore the fantastic producers on their own doorsteps.”
Anybody can get involved in Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight by joining the celebrations on social media using hashtags #ScotFoodFort23 and #DiscoverWhatsOnYourDoorstep. To get involved and check out the events happening in your area, please visit: https://foodanddrink.scot/events-and-membership/scottish-food-drink-fortnight/
