Independent food and drink producers from numerous locations in Argyll and the Isles – including Lochgilphead, Islay and Tighnabruaich — are planning for expansion following the success of the region’s first ever food festival.
Food For Argyll, a group of more than 30 producers, is also now planning a permanent annual Argyll Food Festival in Oban.
The event, held in Corran Halls in the last weekend of September, attracted a large attendance as attendees enjoyed live music, workshops and a diverse range of local food and drink products.
To consolidate on the success, six local companies have established a collective presence in Foodies, a new outlet for specialist and artisan manufacturers in Glasgow, where they have seen healthy demand for their products – and more firms are set to follow.
The Food For Argyll collective launched, and now runs, the Food From Argyll Cafe at the pier in Oban.
As well as attending trade fairs and supplier events as a group, member companies run the catering at the Oban Mart and perform a range of tasks to support and promote the local food producing sector.
Now the group aims to spread the appeal of local producers further by securing a significant commercial space at Foodies, a community interest company at Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow.
Companies represented there include Islay Cocoa, Isle of Mull Seaweed, Slainte Sauces from the Isle of Lismore, Tighnabruaich-based Argyll Coffee, Lochgilphead-based Annie’s Herb Kitchen, and Tiree Tea.
Emma Goudie, owner of Islay Cocoa – which uses local ingredients including raisins and sourdough from Jura and Islay sea salt in its range of artisan chocolates – said: “Everybody is delighted because, as small producers, accessibility to being in a big city like Glasgow, in a major shopping centre, would otherwise be beyond the reach of most of us.
“Our presence in the Foodies store has allowed us to tap into this huge retail market, and showcase our products to a much larger audience.
“Being in Glasgow is heavily linked to the Islay connection. Many people in Glasgow have connections to the islands, and this is a beneficial hub for promoting Argyll’s products.”
Foodies provides a high street presence for more than 60 independent producers of specialist and artisan foods.
The business is the brainchild of Lynzi Leroy, chief executive of the not-for-profit Scottish Design Exchange (SDX), which features the work of hundreds of artists and designers at its three stores in Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as through its online store.
She said: “The Argyll-based producers who sell their products at Foodies are a great example of the power of collective action.
“By coming together and showcasing the amazing richness and diversity of food products now being produced in the region, they have opened it up to a much wider audience.
“We are thrilled to play our part in this success story, and we hope to do the same for groups of producers in other areas across Scotland.”
Food For Argyll founder Virginia Sumsion said: “A lot of our members are comparatively small producers and they benefit from advice and support.
“Producers in the food and drink industry, regardless of their specific niche, find strength in unity as they face common challenges and isolation.
“Their collaborative efforts have led to significant growth, starting with promotional events and festivals, and expanding to offer various benefits to members.
“Within the group, there is a diverse range of producers, from those who prefer staying regional and small-scale to others integrated into the national wholesale chain, showcasing the inclusivity and breadth of the community.”