Due to the programme’s early success, it is now entering a second phase and is available as a valuable resource to tourism companies across the country.

Scale tourism businesses can receive one-on-one business support and mentoring on how to add Alba to their F&B ranges while destination and product groups can attend a programme of workshops to get their message out. 

Since the project started in 2010, more than 50 businesses, that collectively reach 14 million visitors, committed to offer Scottish food and drink after receiving one-on-one business support. 

On average, each business that took the plunge in 2011 saw an average yearly increase in food and drink sales of £44,500 and a 10% increase in turnover.

“Experiencing Scotland’s independent assessment of our operation highlighted innovative ideas that would give us a real competitive advantage in a crowded marketplace,” says Anne Mulhern of Willow Tea Rooms in Glasgow. 

At the same time, Anne says, the project helped Willow Team Rooms develop partnerships with suppliers, and “build on our existing reputation for high quality and service.”

A range of free communications will also be available to all businesses, including examples of food tourism excellence and case studies that show the business growth delivered by capitalising on F&B provenance.

Also included are top tips for showcasing Scotland’s outstanding produce, information on working with local suppliers and links to the latest food and drink-related events and resources.

Next steps

• Find out more about the programme and discover how your business could benefit from the expert support of Experiencing Scotland