By Ian McConnell
Scotland Food & Drink has created a £250,000 fund to support development of “regional food groups”, such as Arran’s Food Journey and Food from Argyll.
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The trade association said the fund, backed by the Scottish Government, would benefit 14 groups across Scotland by resourcing coordinator posts and would include match-funding from partners including local authorities. It flagged the aim of creating an active network of ambassadors working with local authorities to “promote regional food and drink and tourism strategies”.
The groups comprise businesses, volunteers and stakeholders. They work on initiatives aimed at increasing supply and consumption of local produce. They are also engaged in upskilling food and drink businesses, developing e-commerce and “food tourism”.
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The other groups supported by the fund are Appetite for Angus, Ayrshire Food Network, Bute Kitchen, Discover Inverclyde’s Food and Drink, Eat Drink Hebrides, East Lothian Food & Drink, Food from Fife, Forth Valley Food & Drink Network, North East Scotland Food & Drink Network, Orkney Food & Drink, Perth & Kinross Food Tourism Group, and Shetland Food & Drink.
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