North-east businesses were yesterday given the opportunity to take their own bite out of the region’s food and drink sector.
The Knowes Hotel in Macduff played host to an event aimed at showcasing the companies involved in creating some of the area’s highly-rated cuisine.
A series of speeches and workshops held in the fishing port tried to link firms who produce food with the companies who buy, cook, serve, sell and distribute it.
There were speakers from an eclectic range of organisations including investment body Opportunity North East, tourism firm Visit Aberdeenshire and food and drink marketing advisors Connect Local.
Wayne Stewart, chef and owner of the Knowes Hotel, was on hand to lend his expertise to the gathering of more than 40 different businesses from Banff and Buchan.
There was also a chance to discuss the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for the food and drink sector.
Andrew Grant from Banff-based John Stewart Butchers said the hotel gathering had been a valuable experience.
He said: “This is the first time I have been to something like this, but I took so much from it. It was a really worthwhile exercise.”
Councillor Peter Argyle, chairman of the infrastructure services committee, described the event as the ideal opportunity to spread the message the region is profiting from diversity in the food and drink sector.
Mr Argyle added: “It is reassuring that businesses attending this event have a real appetite for growth and a taste for success.
“I am very much looking forward to seeing the benefits to businesses in the coming months and years. Aberdeenshire is a fantastic place for businesses to thrive.”
Banff councillor Glen Reynolds said the food and drink sector had an important role to play in boosting the region’s economy.
He added: “North-east Scotland has an excellent base for growth in food, drink, agriculture and seafood, with its wide range of primary produce, new businesses, big-name brands and international connections.
“Everyone recognises the potential of this sector, with scope for development in internationalisation, provenance, nutritional products and quality brands.”
The event was part of the council’s regeneration efforts and the feedback from the organisations involved suggested there was a desire from the business community to explore the potential of the food and drink industry further.
