News and Updates
See what’s cooking at Connect Local! You’ll find our latest news and updates listed below.
New plan to increase food and drink tourism
A new plan to develop food and drink tourism in Scotland will aim to deliver an additional £1 billion to Scotland’s economy by 2030. The industry-led Food Tourism Scotland Action Plan, launched today by the industry and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on the Isle of...
read moreSmall Food and Drink businesses given opportunity to grow and develop their markets
Food and drink business in Inverness and the surrounding regions are being invited to a two-part series of free workshops aimed at supporting businesses who are looking to develop their commercial capabilities and capitalise on growing demand for produce from the...
read more2019 Scottish Rural Awards Open For Nominations
Nominations for the 2019 Scottish Rural Awards are now open, with businesses across Scotland's countryside encouraged to get involved. The ultimate benchmark of success in Scotland's countryside, the Scottish Rural Awards are now in their fifth year and are partnered...
read moreFood and drink sales: latest stats show sector grows by £527 million
Scotland’s food and drink growth sector generated £13.9 billion in turnover in 2016, a rise of 3.9% from the previous year, and the greatest annual growth since 2011. That’s part of a wider turnover growth estimated to be up 36% from 2007 Rural Economy Fergus Ewing...
read moreFunding for food industry: £3.5m awarded to local food processors
Eleven projects across Scotland have been awarded a share of £3.59 million, enabling companies to invest in infrastructure, upgrade or replace facilities, and purchase new equipment. The Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation (FPMC) grant scheme awards follows...
read moreBoost for regional food and drink sector
£250k fund created to support local produce. Applications are now being accepted for grants of up to £5,000, as part of a new initiative to help drive projects that celebrate and promote locally sourced and produced food and drink. A total of £250,000 is available for...
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