Eat and Drink Dundee was formed to encourage collaboration and sustainability in the local food economy

‘Eat and Drink Dundee’ secures funding boost

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THE NEWLY formed regional food group, Eat and Drink Dundee, has secured funding from Scotland Food & Drink to champion local produce.

Eat and Drink Dundee was formed to encourage collaboration and sustainability in the local food economy. Over the coming months the group aims to support food and drink businesses in the local area, delivering on strategic projects to raise the profile of the sector and work towards a recovery from Covid-19. 

The group is receiving the funding from industry leadership body Scotland Food & Drink as part of an extension of the national £250k fund announced in September 2020 to support the ongoing development of Scotland’s regional food groups.

So far, the funding has benefited 18 groups across the country by building an active network of regional leaders who work in conjunction with local authorities to promote regional food and drink and tourism strategies.

Eat and Drink Dundee is the latest regional group to secure funding from Scotland Food & Drink to develop their plans to grow the sector.

Viv Collie, Co-ordinator of Eat and Drink Dundee, said:

“Dundee has a rich history for producing outstanding food and drink, from the famous Dundee Marmalade and Cake to rum blending and bottling dating back to the 1800s, and its legendary association with ‘pehs’. Today Dundee has an increasing range and variety of eating establishments, bars, specialist retailers, food growers, distillers and brewers and is also home to some world-class food and hospitality research and education organisations.”

“The funding allows us to hit the ground running and start delivering activities and developing new resources. By supporting Dundee’s fantastic food and drink businesses, we are increasing the resilience of the local economy and making the city a more attractive place to live in and visit.”

Regional food groups, like Eat and Drink Dundee, plan and deliver projects designed to increase consumption and supply of local produce; upskill food and drink businesses; host events; improve digital developments and e-commerce with local companies and, crucially, develop food and drink tourism. 

Supporting regional food groups is a key pillar in Scotland Food & Drink’s UK Market Development ‘Home Advantage’ Strategy, which aims to achieve £17bn turnover from food and drink sales within the UK by 2030.

Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Food at Scotland Food & Drink, said:

“Regional food groups like Eat and Drink Dundee have a pivotal role to play in the successful growth and development of our country’s food, drink and food tourism sectors, especially in the recovery from Covid-19.”

“With a combination of both long-established groups, those which are more recently formed, and some which are brand new, Scotland’s diverse mix of regional food groups all have energy, ambition and a commitment to championing their areas. Our aim is to build a strong network of groups and give them the recognition and backing they deserve.”

Further details about Scotland’s network of regional food groups can be found here: https://foodanddrink.scot/regional-food-growth/regional-food-groups/

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