Speciality-Food-Magazine-JanuaryFebruary2025

@specialityfood 24 A FLOURISHING SECTOR Scotland’s food and drink scene is a natural expression of what Scots, and Scotland, are all about. It encapsulates our passion, pride and personality. From iconic produce such as whisky, salmon or beef through to rising stars like confectionery, cheese or vegetables, the provenance of Scottish produce brings together innovation with traditions that have been handed down through generations. Despite our rich history and heritage, Scotland is also a country of modernity. We see the importance of embracing innovation to create new products that consumers across the world want to taste and we use technology to improve and enhance the way we work, market our products and speak to our customers and consumers. Our produce and products have a reputation for uncompromising quality which goes hand-in-hand with our commitment to sustainability. All this considered, the industry is definitely evolving and is showing encouraging signs of growth. Scottish produce is celebrated for its premium quality, rich heritage, and natural origin. Our pristine environment and traditional craftsmanship create products with distinctive flavours consumers can trust, and enjoy. With a focus on authenticity, sustainability, and natural ingredients, Scottish food and drink offer something truly special. Independent retailers can enhance Scotland’s reputation by showcasing local, authentic products, promoting sustainability, collaborating with regional producers, and sharing the stories behind these exceptional products. Outlets can also get involved in our food and drink sector brand, Naturally Scottish. The brand reflects the people and passion behind Scotland’s food and drink sector, whilst bringing a strategic edge to our industry as we take our incredible larder to the global stage. In return, these outlets stand to We caught up with Iain Baxter, CEO of Scotland Food & Drink, for his take on the future of the country’s food scene benefit significantly. They can attract food enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for quality and authenticity. Tourists eager to immerse themselves in local flavours often gravitate toward delis and farm shops. By offering distinctive Scottish products, these outlets can set themselves apart from competitors and create a memorable experience for their customers. The future for Scottish food and drink is bright, driven by innovation, sustainability, and global recognition of its premium quality. With a growth in sustainable practices, growing international demand, and a continued focus on premium and authentic products, I am confident the sector will continue to flourish. Scotland Food & Drink as an organisation empowers these businesses to achieve their full potential to drive our economy, alongside sustaining our environment and supporting our communities. Our ambition is that we want Scotland to be the best place in the world to own, operate, and work for a food and drink business, and to be known as a world leader in sustainable production and responsible growth. We want Scotland to be the best place in the world to own, operate, and work for a food and drink business, and to be known as a world leader in sustainable production and responsible growths PRIDE OF SCOTLAND Wow your customers with our pick of Scotland’s food greats BLACK ISLE BREWING CO SWEET FA STAG BAKERIES WALKERS SHORTBREAD Made by expert brewers in the Highlands, this organic session IPA is bursting with tropical fruit flavour and a citrus zing and balanced with a deep and complex five-malt base. As with every item in the Black Isle range, this gluten-free beer is made using sustainable brewing techniques and a foundation of compassion for the environment – for example, spent grains from the brewing process are used to feed lifestock on the farm. It’s naturally brewed and and unfiltered for optimum taste and enjoyment. blackislebrewery.com With the festivities of Christmas and New Year behind us, January is a time when we prefer to have a more virtuous nibble. Sweet FA Gluten Free, don’t think this should mean missing out on enjoyable eating. Their cookies are free from gluten, dairy, and palm oil and have been formulated to ensure that everyone can enjoy them. Every variety has won a Free From Food Award, and there is also a clutch of Great Taste and Great British Food Awards endorsing them. Choose from Peanut Butter, Double Choc Chip, Oat & Raisin, or Cranberry & Orange. sweetfa-glutenfree.com Stag Bakeries Ltd are proud to introduce the Hebridean Baker biscuit range, a collaboration between the Hebridean Baker himself, Coinneach MacLeod, and Stag Bakeries. Due to Coinneach’s family links to the Outer Hebrides, there was a natural affinity between the Hebridean Baker and Stag Bakeries brands. The result is six varieties of sweet biscuits, inspired by the Hebridean way of life that offer homely comfort at any time of year, made in the picturesque Scottish Outer Hebrides. stagbakeries.co.uk Founded in 1898, Walker’s Shortbread is a family-owned company with a rich heritage that has remained true to Joseph Walker’s original recipes across five generations. Every piece is still proudly crafted on Speyside in the Scottish Highlands, using only the finest all-butter ingredients – no artificial flavourings, colourings, or additives. Walker’s newest addition, the 35g Giant Shortbread Finger, is perfect for an indulgent afternoon snack, providing the same beloved flavour in a convenient, larger portion. For something a bit playful, try their all-butter Scottie Dog Shortbread—a delightful gift or treat for any age. And for those who enjoy snacking on the go, Walker’s sharing bag of mini shortbread fingers is ideal for easy sharing. With Walker’s, every bite brings the taste of Scotland at its finest. walkershortbread.com