Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight 2

Source: Scotland Food & Drink

From left: Fiona Richmond and James Withers of Scotland Food & Drink, Wendy Neave, head of events & hospitality at the Scotch Whisky Experience and Fergus Ewing MSP

Scotland’s food industry is holding a major event to showcase the best of the country’s produce.

Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight, which runs from 31 August to 15 September, celebrates the 10th anniversary of the event.

The fortnight will include events the length and breadth of Scotland such as the Stranraer Oyster Festival, Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, Foraging Fortnight, Jocktoberfest and Scotland Food & Drink’s AGM and conference.

Designed to champion and grow the sector at home and abroad, the event is organised by Scotland Food & Drink.

“This is a special year as Scotland Food & Drink marks 10 years of delivering the annual celebration of our fantastic national larder and the people who produce, cook, serve and sell it,” said Fiona Richmond, Scotland Food & Drink head of regional food.

“With major national initiatives including the UK Market Development Strategy and Food Tourism Scotland Action Plan well underway, this year’s fortnight plays an even greater part in increasing the sourcing, selling and promoting of local produce, which is essential if we are to reach our collective target of achieving a sector worth £30bn by 2030.

“Whatever part you play, whether that be a producer, chef, retailer, caterer or someone who loves local food, there are lots of ways to join in, and further information, ideas and inspiration can be found on the website.”

Fergus Ewing MSP, cabinet secretary for the rural economy, said: “Food & 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.

“The industry has gone from strength to strength in recent years - and is well on its way to doubling in value by 2030, to £30bn.

“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.”