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- Industry Update: Finalists Announced for Scotland Food & Drink Bookable Food and Drink Experiences Programme
Industry Update: Finalists Announced for Scotland Food & Drink Bookable Food and Drink Experiences Programme
Scotland Food & Drink, the leadership organisation for the nation’s food and drink industry, has revealed its finalists for their pilot Bookable Food and Drink Experiences training programme.
The programme, designed to help Scottish producers make their experiences more easily discoverable and bookable for both international and domestic tourists, has been oversubscribed, attracting far more than the 50 businesses initially sought and reflecting the growing awareness among Scotland’s food and drink businesses of the crucial role tourism plays in their future growth and success.
Participants will benefit from tailored workshops and expert-led training that will help them capitalise on Scotland’s booming tourism sector, which continues to thrive as both a domestic and international destination.
A diverse group of 50 businesses have been selected for the first round of training, ranging from Mull Coffee Roastery and Arbikie Distillery to local favourites like Buffalo Farm. Each of these businesses will participate in a series of workshops, networking events, and one-on-one mentoring aimed at refining their tourist offerings and making them more accessible.
Led by Scotland Food & Drink on behalf of the food tourism leadership group, which includes VisitScotland, the Scottish Government, and the Scottish Tourism Alliance, the programme builds on insights from the national tourism organisation’s Scotland Visitor Survey 2023, which revealed that nearly half (46%) of visitors engage in food and drink activities during their stay, with nearly a fifth (19%) of long-haul travellers specifically choosing Scotland for its culinary offerings.
Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Food at Scotland Food & Drink, commented:
“We are absolutely thrilled with the overwhelming response from businesses across Scotland. The level of interest truly highlights how integral food and drink tourism is to the future of our local businesses.
“This programme is designed to provide them with the tools, training, and confidence to enhance their offerings, reach new audiences, and help build Scotland’s reputation as a must-visit destination for food and drink lovers.”
Speaking on the value of the programme, Sally Swinbanks from Tobermory Fish (pictured), added: “This is an invaluable opportunity for us to not only develop our offerings but also to connect with like-minded businesses and share ideas.
“As Scotland continues to grow as a tourism hotspot, both domestically and internationally, it’s crucial that we understand how to tailor our services to meet the needs and expectations of visitors, particularly in the food and drink sector.”
For more information, please click HERE.
Fife Finalists:
Finalist Across Scotland:
Allanton Inn
Arbikie Distillery
Arran Brew
Ballintaggart
Balmoral Game Ltd
Beinn an Tuirc Distillers Ltd
Caledonian Oyster Co Ltd
Chiya & Chai
Clanfin Native Breeds
Cleikum Social Eating
Dark Sky Spirits Ltd (The Moffat Distillery)
Eat Walk Tours Ltd
Elchies Estates Ltd
Errington Cheese Ltd
Galloway Farmhouse Cheese
Gin Bothy
Glen Caladh Tea
Highland Boundary Ltd.
Holyrood Distillery
Isle of Bute Smokehouse/Bute Yard
Isle of Mull Coffee Roastery Ltd
J. Gow Rum
Jeanie Rae’s Ltd
Megginch Castle Tours
Mharsanta / Lomond Leisure Group
NB Distillery/Company of Dark Spirits Ltd
NTS Gladstone’s Land
Oak Tree Inn
Once Upon a Whisky
Oor Bees
Rosehearty Rhubarb
RAER Scotch Whisky Limited
Rox Madeira
Scottish Tea House
Spes Bona Sea Safaris/Spes Bona Superior Seafood
Summerhall Distillery
Swirl Sip Socialise Limited
Taste Buds of Scotland
The Little Foragers Kitchen
The Original Cake Fridge & Tearoom
The Perth Distillery Co
The Tobermory Fish Company
The wee Scottish cider company
Westerton Farm
Wilsons Farm and Kitchen