SCOTTISH FARMERS and food producers could benefit from stronger links with the hospitality and tourism industries as part of a drive to increase the use of home-grown produce.
NFU Scotland and the Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) have brought together representatives from across farming, food, hospitality and tourism to explore ways of getting more Scottish produce onto menus and into businesses across the country.
The joint event, Serving Scotland: Unlocking Scottish Food in Hospitality & Tourism, focused on opportunities to improve connections throughout the supply chain while also recognising the challenges currently facing businesses.
Rising costs, workforce shortages and increasing pressures on producers were all discussed, alongside growing consumer demand for high-quality, locally sourced Scottish food.
With Scotland’s hospitality sector contributing almost £2 billion to the economy and around a third of Scots’ calories consumed outside the home, industry leaders believe there is a significant opportunity to strengthen relationships between farmers, wholesalers, restaurants, hotels and tourism businesses.
Discussions focused on issues including availability, seasonal supply, consistency, pricing and how to make it easier for more Scottish produce to reach customers.
Those involved agreed to continue working together to improve understanding of current sourcing levels,
identify barriers and develop practical solutions to support Scottish food and drink.
NFU Scotland Chief Executive John Davidson said creating better market opportunities for farmers and crofters remains a priority.
He said: “Scottish farmers and crofters produce food to some of the highest standards anywhere in the world, but we need strong domestic supply chains and committed customers if we are to realise the full value of that produce.
“Bringing together producers, wholesalers, hospitality businesses and tourism organisations is an important step in building a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist across the supply chain.
“Today’s discussion demonstrated a genuine willingness to work together to support Scottish sourcing and create long-term opportunities for Scottish agriculture.”
Scottish Wholesale Association Chief Executive Colin Smith said wholesalers have an important role in connecting producers with businesses across Scotland.
He said: “Wholesalers play a vital role in connecting Scotland’s producers with customers across retail, hospitality, tourism and the public sector.
“There is good work already happening across retail, and we want to build on that by helping unlock similar opportunities in hospitality and tourism.
“This roundtable was an important first step in understanding the barriers and identifying practical, commercially realistic ways to get more Scottish food.
Representatives from hospitality, tourism, food and drink, farming and wholesale organisations took part in the discussions.
NFU Scotland and SWA will now continue working with industry partners to explore ways to increase the amount of Scottish food and drink being served across the country.
