With research revealing interesting insights into the food and drink habits of visitors to Scotland, the SLTA and industry organisation Scotland Food & Drink have started to work more closely together in order to support and promote the hospitality industry as well as Scottish producers of food and drink.
Caroline Wengel, business development manager for West Scotland at Scotland Food & Drink, explained: “Many issues are common to both organisations so it makes sense to have a healthy, reciprocal relationship and work together where and when possible.
“We want to support local producers of food and drink and encourage local trade,” she continued. “Research tells us that almost all visitors – 92% – dine out during a holiday to Scotland so restaurants and other businesses that sell food and drink have a key role to play in making Scotland a destination of choice for quality food and drink.
“Scotland Food & Drink’s Scottish Consumer Perception research released last year showed that 70% of Scots think food labelled ‘Scottish’ is better than that from elsewhere. It also revealed that 71% of the Scottish population believe the perception of Scottish food and drink has improved over the past 10 years.
“These are really encouraging figures and we all need to work together to promote and support Scotland’s larder.”
Meanwhile, the VisitScotland Taste Our Best accreditation scheme recognises and celebrates businesses which provide locally-sourced, quality food and drink. More than 1,000 accommodation providers, visitor attractions as well as restaurants, cafés and takeaways across Scotland already belong to the programme.
For the SLTA, forging a mutually beneficial relationship with Scotland Food & Drink forms part of the trade association’s strategy.
The SLTA’s Colin Wilkinson said: “We’re delighted to be working with the team at Scotland Food & Drink and there are many areas where our collective clout can have a positive impact.”
Showcasing Scotland
With demand for local food and drink growing, Scotland Food & Drink, in partnership with The Brewers Association of Scotland (TBAS), Scottish Craft Distillers Association (SCDA) and local councils, is hosting a series of one-day events to bring together the very best Scottish food and drink producers under one roof.
Buyers of food and drink have been invited to meet local producers, brewers and distillers at these free events which kick off at Glasgow’s Hampden Park on March 7 before travelling to Tayside, Highlands & Islands, East and North East regions.
At the morning session you can pre-arrange one-to-one meetings in a speed-dating style, or arrive for lunch and an afternoon exhibition, making these events a flexible and time-efficient way to meet several food and drink producers from each region.
For more information, dates and online registration, visit www.showcasing.scot. SLTA members are invited to register here free of charge.
Don’t miss this opportunity to source more of Scotland’s magnificent larder, and discover new and exciting suppliers right on your doorstep.