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Think local, eat Scottish
29/11/2009
Scotland's reputation as a land of food and drink is set to be strengthened this week.
Building on the overwhelming success of Homecoming, there will be significant new funding to support the food and drink industry. And shoppers will be urged to 'think local' as they prepare their Christmas menus.
A drive to encourage more people to support the sector and Scotland's farmers and fishermen will be launched early next year.
Events and support for the industry happening this week include:
- A protected food names seminar in Perth
- Substantial funding for farmers markets
- Major funding for Scottish food companies to improve links with local suppliers and farmers
- Scotland Food and Drink's AGM - including an update on its target of raising the value of sector to £10 billion by 2017
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
"It's fitting that as Scotland's hugely successful Year of Homecoming draws to a close we are keeping up momentum by announcing additional support for one of the main reasons that people visit Scotland in the first place - our fantastic produce.
"This has been a hugely significant year for the food and drink sector with much to celebrate and be proud of, but we must build on this success if we are to reach our ambitious target of increasing its value to £10 billion by 2017.
"2010 promises to be a landmark year for food and drink, and we can get off to the best possible start and give local producers a massive boost by eating Scottish where possible this Christmas."
Wednesday's Protected Food Name seminar in Perth is being launched by Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham. PFN status provides legal protection from imitation on a geographical or traditional recipe basis at European level. It is widely recognised as a sign of true quality and has helped increase export sales.
Speaking ahead of the event, Ms Cunningham said:
"Our seminar has attracted interest from across the globe and provides a welcome opportunity to exchange ideas about how we can help increase the number of PFNs in Scotland.
"We are determined to help businesses through the recession. The majority of the food and drink sector appears to be bucking the trend. Scottish food and drink exports are up eight per cent this year, and we've also seen a huge rise in sales of Scottish brands in British supermarkets. The surge in demand for local produce is highlighted by the increase in farm shops and farmers markets.
"Although Scotland is already home to some of the most delicious and well-known produce anywhere in the world, too few have protected name status. Scotland is a land of food and drink and deserves to have its fine reputation protected."
Paul McLaughlin, Scotland Food & Drink Chief Executive, said:
"The Scottish food and drink industry is worth billions to our economy. It is essential that we support local businesses to sustain our economy and give us a strong base from which to grow.
"Our country has an enviable list of internationally renowned food and drink products which are enjoyed all over the world. But to help build Scotland's international reputation as 'A Land of Food & Drink' we also need to raise awareness and celebrate what our industry has to offer in Scotland."
George McIvor, Fellow of The Master Chefs of Great Britain said:
"I am delighted to be involved in the biggest-ever St Andrew's Day celebrations. The Food Zone Marquee in St Andrew's Square is a wonderful opportunity to showcase some of Scotland's best food and drink. It is always a delight to cook with top quality ingredients, and there are none finer than the superb fish and seafood we have from Scottish waters and the world-renowned Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb we will be using."
Independent analysis suggests that Homecoming is on target to beat its target of generating £44 million worth of extra tourism revenue. In a spectacular finale to the Homecoming celebrations, Scotland will present the biggest ever St Andrew's "Do" in Edinburgh this weekend (Saturday and Sunday), including cookery demonstrations by some of Scotland's best known chefs and an opportunity to learn more about the best of Scottish produce.
On Monday: Mr Lochhead will celebrate the finest in Scottish produce when he opens the Scotch Premier Meat Christmas Carcase Show, one of the most important meat industry events in the UK.
On Tuesday: the Scottish Government will unveil further support for farmers' markets. With retail sales of Scottish food on the increase, they are seen as an increasingly sustainable place for shoppers to buy local produce. The Farmers Markets Development Partnership will include the vital voices of SAOS, Farma, NFUS and others and will help consumers connect with their local producers.
On Wednesday: a Scottish Government seminar in Perth will highlight the economic value of gaining PFN status, offering advice to companies considering an official application. Scotland already has some of the largest PFNs in the EU, such as Scotch Beef and Scottish Farmed Salmon, accounting for around £700 million ex-farm sales. A number of PFN applications are currently being considered by producers. These include: Stornoway Black Pudding; Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese; Scottish Wild Salmon; and Scottish raspberries.
On Thursday: Scotland Food and Drink's AGM and Members' Day takes place in Dundee. Speakers will include Scotland Food & Drink chief executive Paul McLaughlin and representatives from HSBC Scotland, Mackie's of Scotland, Gourmet's Choice and Taste of Arran.
On Friday: a meat processor in Falkirk and an award-winning venison producer are among the Scottish food companies set to receive funding from the sixth round of Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation grants - part of the SRDP. The grants scheme has so far provided assistance in developing a number of diverse projects to further enhance Scotland's worldwide reputation as a producer of quality food and drink to the tune of £18.5 million, safeguarding and creating over 3,000 jobs.