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SAC Food Networks Guide - Scotland's Food & Drink Producers Working Together (Archived Content)

SAC News Release Ref. No: 09N44
Published: 15 Jul 2009

SAC Food Marketing Consultants believe that in the year of Homecoming, it is only natural that Scottish food and drink products should be matched together. Haggis with whisky, beef with home grown potatoes, and strawberries and cream are particularly appropriate.

However, a new “Food Networks Guide” by SAC highlights that it is not only Scottish products which can be well-matched, but the skills and resources of those who produce them. The Guide, launched with the full support of Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead, highlights how increasing numbers of food and drink producers are combining their efforts to promote Scottish quality and celebrate regional specialities.

The Guide was inspired by Mr Lochhead’s own experience of a network in operation:

“The Guide highlights good practice which others can build upon, showcasing examples where community empowerment has helped grow the economy and deliver local benefits.  It originated from my own discussions with food networks such as the Skye Local Food Link project, and a desire to highlight where producers are reaping the benefits of collaboration. I’m delighted that the Guide offers so much detail and such excellent examples of producers working together across Scotland.”

The Food Networks Guide was edited by the specialist food marketing team within SAC. Team leader David Lamb believes it illustrates the benefits of collaboration.

“The Guide shows that producers are not only choosing to work together in increasing numbers, but are doing so to their collective advantage. I hope that the Guide will serve to inspire others by showing them that you don’t have to be a large scale producer to be innovative.”

The Guide contains details of 15 food networks and groups working in different sectors and within many different markets and priorities. It includes building communities, encouraging healthy eating and networks distributing and marketing collectively. Other examples highlight an approach to a particular sector, such as targeting the tourism market or online sales. The Guide is particularly aimed at spreading the message of the benefits of collaboration, and enabling producers to access support and to understand how networks can be structured.

For Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead, the Guide contains a positive message for Scotland’s food producers.  

“This is an exciting time for the food and drink industry in Scotland and it is greatly encouraging that local food initiatives - which enhance our reputation for quality through collaboration and cooperation in the supply chain – are going from strength to strength. Our new national food and drink policy will help support even more farmers' markets, farm shops and local food initiatives across Scotland."

Copies of the Guide can be obtained from Patrick Hughes.

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News Release Contacts

SAC Contact

Mr Patrick Hughes
Senior Food Marketing Consultant
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC Consulting, Ferguson Building, Craibstone Estate,
Aberdeen
AB21 9YA
TelWork 01224 711047
Fax 01224 711291

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News Release Issued By

Mr Ken Rundle
Senior Communications Officer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4196

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