SCOTLAND Food & Drink has launched its annual celebration of Scottish produce with events aiming to encourage the nation to “dscover what’s on your doorstep”.
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 2 to Saturday 16 September.
The event celebrates the producers, manufacturers, retailers, foodservice, hospitality, Regional Food Groups and Food Tourism Ambassadors that work to get Scottish produce on shelves and tables throughout the year.
MSP and 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.
“Consumers at home and increasingly around the globe know that every element of the production process is handled with the utmost care and expertise.
“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,” Mairi added.
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.
The events aim to spotlight 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,” Fiona added.
Anybody can get involved in Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight by joining the celebrations on social media using hashtags #ScotFoodFort23 and #DiscoverWhatsOnYourDoorstep.
