The year of Year of Food and Drink is a chance to spotlight, celebrate and promote Scotland’s natural larder and quality produce to Scotland and all its visitors.
We are very excited to be supporting many of our food and drink clients during this time with event, marketing and PR support. In this blog post we take a look at the activities you can expect to see over the course of the year and hopefully be inspired to launch your own campaign or event.
Scotland’s larder will indeed be in the spotlight once again in 2015 as, in partnership with Scottish Government, VisitScotland and EventScotland, we celebrate the Year of Food and Drink, hot on the heels of the year of Homecoming and the triumphant sporting events where quality Scottish produce took centre-stage.
The aim of the year is to mark, highlight and promote Scotland’s abundant, quality produce to the people of Scotland and its visitors, demonstrating that Scotland is a destination for enjoying delicious food and drink, as well as, take a key role in economic growth and cultural development.
Whether you are a producer, retailer, caterer or wholesaler, all are invited to make the most of this year and take advantage of the enhanced focus on Scotland’s food and drink industry and the people behind it.
The Year of Food and Drink 2015 aims and objectives are to:
-
- Enhance Scotland’s reputation as a Land of Food and Drink
- Increase use and promotion of Scottish produce across the tourism and events industry
- Increase level of satisfaction with food and drink amongst visitors to Scotland
- Increase level of satisfaction with food and drink amongst event attendees
- Increase contribution to the overall value of the sector from tourism and events
To further support the year’s activity, VisitScotland has developed a series of monthly themes, from traditional foods in January to summer fruits and berries in July, to inspire and guide you in your events and activities.
Month |
Theme |
Outline |
| January | Traditional Foods | Building on the New Year traditions of steak pies and shortbread, and through to Burns Night with haggis. |
| February | The Food of Love | Foods associated with Valentine’s Day including oysters / other seafoods, steak and chocolates. |
| March | Brewing & Distilling | Celebrating Scottish beers and spirits (gin, vodka, liqueurs) |
| April | Award Winning Food | Focus on Scotland Food & Drink Awards entries and previous winners |
| May | Whisky Month | Retained focus on whisky as in previous years. |
| June | The Future of Food | Highlighting youth development including RHS and end of school year, with focus on skills and innovation |
| July | Summer Berries and Fruits | Particular promotion of berries and Pick Your Own |
| August | Delicious Dairy | Yoghurts and ice cream, creams, milk, butter and cheeses |
| September | Celebration | Building on the food fortnight theme, events and products that celebrate provenance and celebrate our food and drink |
| October | Sustainable Shores | A focus on fishing, seafood and salmon with a sustainability theme. |
| November | Hearty & Heartwarming | Especially meat dishes, vegetables and grains (including barley, oats and rapeseed) – broths and stews |
| December | Grand Finale | Premium foods for Christmas, including cheeses, relishes, pates. |
For additional guidance and information on using local produce at your event, please visit www.readyforevents.co.uk and download the Taste for Events Guide. Additional case studies and food and drink information can be found at EventScotland.org. A list of Scottish suppliers is available at: www.scotlandfoodanddrink.org/showcase.aspx
As mentioned previously, EventScotland is further supporting the Year of Food and Drink by offering part funding to companies hosting events.
Throughout 2015 you have the opportunity to capitalise on a year which will be supported by a range of industry partner activity, so get in touch with DenvirMarketing to help support your business during this exciting time.