Scottish government back plan to double nation's food tourism output

The Scottish government has supported plans to introduce local branding, a customer and industry focused website and a new apprenticeship scheme to grow the nation's food tourism offering.

The plan aims to double Scotland's food tourism revenue by 2030, rising from £1b to £2b through developing the nation's offering in five areas - sustainable local food supplies, quality of product and experience, storytelling, workforce skills and innovative collaboration.

Beyond continuing work in previously developed policy areas, the Food Tourism Scotland paper calls for a business to business local food and drink code scheme to prove the local provenance of an item.

It also suggests further developing Scotland's quality assurance scheme, taste our best, with local branding, and developing a food tourism website for both businesses and consumers.

A food tourism apprenticeship programme, which will see students rotate between various business types, is also proposed.

Speaking from the Isle of Arran on Monday, first minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "This action plan will bring together everyone in the food and tourism sectors to build on that success story.

"Many great things are already happening - here in Arran I've seen how quality local produce can attract visitors and enhance their experience of Scotland. Now is the time for everyone to work together to make sure that we can make the most of everything this growing sector has to offer."

The move was welcomed by industry figures as a step towards securing more support for Scottish business.

UKHospitality executive director for Scotland, Willie Macleod, said: "Scotland's fantastic food and drink sector is one of its best tourism assets and is enthusiastically supported by many of our hospitality businesses including some of the most exciting drinking and dining venues and concepts in the UK.

"Hospitality businesses in Scotland seek to use fresh, local produce wherever possible and enjoy close and long-lasting relationships with their suppliers.

"Support for this sector is very welcome, particularly support to create a new apprenticeship that will help secure its future prosperity."

Outdated quality standards are failing the diverse needs of today's hotel guest>>

Get The Caterer every week on your smartphone, tablet, or even in good old-fashioned hard copy (or all three!).