This year, the campaign will showcase companies and brands that ‘champion’ Scottish larder. Since the first Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight the industry has grown to a record-high. Food & drink is now one of the largest industry sectors in Scotland, with a £14billion turnover and employing over 119,000 people.
The Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight includes events such as the Stranraer Oyster Festival, Spirit of Speyside, Jocktoberfest, Foraging Fortnight and the Scotland Food & Drink conference.
Fiona Richmond, head of regional food at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “Scottish food and drink is the envy of producers from around the world, and closer to home, its reputation and demand is increasing.
“Over the last 10 years of the Fortnight, hundreds, if not thousands of food and drink businesses have benefitted from the renewed focus and attention it brings through the fantastic events across the country.
“There are lots of different ways for companies to get involved, with opportunities for retailers, producers, foodservice companies, event organisers and industry partners. Toolkits for all areas within the sector are available on the Scotland Food & Drink website.”
Food & Drink Fortnight is the country’s biggest food and drinks celebration and is a focus for companies to encourage more people to buy, eat and promote Scottish products. A survey found 82% of Scottish consumers think Scots produce the best whisky, 76% the best beef and 75% the best salmon.
Fergus Ewing MSP, cabinet secretary for the Rural Economy, added: “Food and Drink Fortnight is a welcome opportunity to bring Scotland’s food and drink industry together, along with producers and consumers from Scotland and across the globe, to celebrate Scotland’s amazing natural larder.
“However, Brexit threatens to undo that progress, and could have a major impact on a sector that relies heavily on frictionless trade with our neighbours. It’s more important than ever before that the sector comes together to get more people to produce and consume Scottish products.”