More than 3,500 Scots have used the supportlocal.scot online directory to source Scotland’s finest food and drink products during recent weeks of lockdown.
The website is a one-stop-shop for food-lovers to access nearly 300 local suppliers of all shapes and sizes; from brewing giants Williams Brothers in Glasgow, to Busta House Hotel on Shetland.
Created by industry body, Scotland Food & Drink, the supportlocal.scot platform aims to connect consumers directly with food and drink businesses. Every Scottish region and every sub-section of the industry is represented, giving consumers a fantastic choice and the opportunity to sample new products or support their favourite brands.
The appetite of the Scottish public to support their local food and drink businesses has been clear to see since Coronavirus restrictions were introduced in March and businesses across the country have innovated to survive. East Lothian’s Yester Farm Dairies pivoted their sales to online orders and home deliveries and have had to expand their delivery area to meet popular demand. Ethical Dairy in Dumfries and Galloway adapted their offering to create a successful cheese box that supported other local producers, giving the community a ready-made way to support local cheese makers.
Lucy Husband, UK Market Development Director at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “At the start of the lockdown, trolleys were filled with pasta and flour as people stockpiled essentials, but since then lots more people have started sourcing their food and drink from local suppliers and going directly to their favourite brands.
“We’ve seen that with our own eyes as thousands have accessed supportlocal.scot. The directory really highlights the incredibly diverse and high-quality food and drink that Scotland has to offer.
“Many of our country’s food and drink businesses lost their markets overnight as lockdown was introduced, so innovating and finding new ways to reach their customers has been vital for their survival. But equally as important is the vote of confidence that the Scottish public has given the industry, buying more online and supporting their local suppliers.
“Our food and drinks businesses, which are some of the country’s biggest employers, needs public support now more than ever. It’s fantastic to see Scots get behind local businesses and appreciate the unrivalled larder that we’re so lucky to have on our doorstep.”
Rural Secretary Fergus Ewing said:
“The global crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic has presented significant challenges for businesses across the food and drink sector. In these difficult times, we have also seen the sector’s resilience, creativity and innovation.
“Nearly 300 businesses have now registered to be part of the new Support Local website, giving people the chance to buy fantastic locally sourced and produced food and drink direct at the click of a button from home.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank those working in the sector for their continued dedication to ensuring people have access to good food and urge everyone to explore the directory and support businesses by buying great local Scottish produce.”
Sally MacColl of Tobermory Fish Company, said:
“Tobermory Fish Company is a third-generation family businesses and has built strong foundations over the years as a mail order business. We are delighted to be able to continue to provide our smoked fish and produce to customers both in our local community and across the UK.
“The Coronavirus crisis has undoubtably changed the landscape for many food and drink businesses and it’s great to see the Support Local directory providing a one-stop shop for customers to find some of the best food and drink in the world, that they can sample in their homes. I’m really looking forward to working my way through the list!”
For further information on Scotland Food & Drink, please visit: www.foodanddrink.scot.
