Scots encouraged to discover what’s on their doorstep this Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight

Now in its 14th year, Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight 2023 will encourage the whole nation to ‘Discover what's on your doorstep’ this September.

The campaign kicks off on the 2nd of September and encourages everyone across the country to celebrate the producers, manufacturers, retailers, foodservice, hospitality, regional food groups and food tourism ambassadors that work to get quality Scottish produce on our shelves and tables.

The 2023 Fortnight calendar is packed with events across the country to celebrate the food and drink available on your doorstep. From fin-tastic family fun at SeaFest in Peterhead to exploring the islands at Arran Festival of Food & Drink, or enjoying a blend at the Scottish Rum Festival in Edinburgh - there is something for everyone no matter where you live.  

More than half of the Scottish population say that food provenance is important to them and almost 9 in 10 Scots would like to be able to buy more Scottish food and drink. This year, Scotland Food & Drink is working closely with its Regional Food Groups and Regional Food Ambassadors to promote a line-up of regional events, as well as spotlighting produce from across Scotland that are stocked everywhere from shops, restaurants, cafes and bars to delis and markets.

Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Food at Scotland Food & Drink, said:  “Our industry has shown tremendous resilience over the last few years and Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight is an opportunity to celebrate the success and talent from across the sector. Over the campaign, we will be working with our regional food and drink ambassadors and groups to share the amazing  stories from producers themselves, from the Highlands and Islands to the South of Scotland and everywhere in-between. This year’s Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight is all about celebrating the people across our industry’s supply chain that make it all possible and I hope the whole industry and the public gets behind the campaign and gets involved.”

Scotland Food & Drink have enlisted the help of its network of local food and drink heroes to champion the fortnight this year, including its 18 Regional Food Groups and 23 Regional Food Tourism Ambassadors, covering all corners of our country. Rachel Gambro, Regional Food Ambassador for Aberdeenshire, said: "Local producers work incredibly hard to supply a huge range of high quality food and drink to customers in Scotland and beyond. Their dedication and enthusiasm is clear when you meet them. They are truly proud to be part of such an exciting sector that often sees them working as a team, with collaborations between producers on new offerings, producers being highlighted by name on menus or coming together at an event.

“Many producers also offer food tourism experiences through workshops, tours and tastings.  Take the opportunity during Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight to hear their inspiring stories.  You will be delighted to discover what is on your doorstep and surprised to find your food tastes even better when you understand its provenance!" 

Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight takes place from Saturday 2nd to Saturday 16th September, and anybody can get involved by joining the celebrations on social media using hashtags #ScotFoodFort23 and #DiscoverWhatsOnYourDoorstep. To get involved and check out the events happening in your area, please visit: https://foodanddrink.scot/events-and-membership/scottish-food-drink-fortnight/