Food and drink group on the menu!

A REGIONAL food and drink group is on the menu for Inverclyde to help put the area’s hospitality and tourism sector on the map.

Inverclyde Council and Scotland’s Food and Drink is inviting local businesses to share their views about the creation of the new steering group to get involved by registering an interest.

The aim is to bring together organisations involved in food and drink across the area to establish a collaborative network in order to raise the profile of local produce and places linked to the district’s tourism strategy and recovery from Covid-19.

A survey has now been launched for businesses, individuals and anyone else with a vested interest to share their views.

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “Food and drink are a key attraction for any destination and typically used in marketing and promotional campaigns.

“We’re fortunate here in Inverclyde to have so many quality bars, restaurants, producers and retailers that we want people near and far to discover and enjoy.

“Establishing a regional food group under the Discover Inverclyde tourism call to action will help to do that but it’s vital that those at the heart of it help shape what that group will look like and play an active role in making it a success for the benefit of their business and the area as a whole.”

The main purpose of the regional groups is to raise the profile of food and drink within each region, network with local producers and to develop a strong local food supply chain.

Fiona Richmond, head of regional food at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “Discover Inverclyde’s Food and Drink is part of a diverse network of 18 regional food groups currently in place across the country supported by Scotland Food & Drink.

“The groups play a pivotal role in the successful growth and development of Scotland’s food, drink and tourism sectors, fostering a collaborative approach to championing the food and drink offering within each region, engaging with local producers and developing a strong local food supply chain.”

The regional food and drink group survey should only take a few minutes to complete.

Those taking part are asked to provide their name and that of their business.

To take part in the survey, log on to https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BJM3Z87.