Tag: food and drink

Edinburgh food and drink businesses target growth through The Academy

Four Edinburgh businesses are amongst the first cohort of businesses to sign up to The Academy, a new and unique training initiative to help food and drink businesses targeting growth, after the industry was one of the hardest hit by COVID-19 and Brexit.

Open to food and drink businesses of all sizes and ambition, The Academy, is a series of programmes being delivered by Scotland Food & Drink Partnership and training experts Levercliff Associates to support businesses sell themselves, build their brands, thrive and compete in highly competitive retail and foodservice markets.

The three training programmes – Seeding Growth, Accelerating Growth and Commercial Excellence – have been designed to support companies at various stages in their development.

The Academy programmes are the first major investment from the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s £5m Recovery Plan which is supported by The Scottish Government. It will run for two and a half years and aims to support over 200 Scottish businesses.

Mimi’s Bakehouse are kickstarting their growth journey by joining the Seeding Growth programme. A further three businesses including Bon Accord Soft Drinks, Scotch & Co and The Drinks Bakery are upskilling on Accelerating Growth.

Seeding Growth, which started in May and will run for twelve weeks, is aimed at companies whose primary focus is maximising their local markets and beginning to consider opportunities in the broader Scottish marketplace.

Natalie Togeher, Finance Manager at Mimi’s Bakehouse, said: “The past year has been beyond challenging but we have attempted and survived! We feel now is a great time to reflect on where the business is and how we can move forward in a sustainable way continuing to bring the best sweet treats we can to our customers.

“The Academy will help us with the direction of the business and understand planning decisions when it comes to potential new product lines.”

The Accelerating Growth course is aimed at established businesses already supplying large customers in Scotland and looking to advance in the wider UK market, and will start this month (June)and run for six months.

Andy Murray, Founder at The Drinks Bakery, said: “This last year has been a huge challenge for The Drinks Bakery as much of the hard work and momentum built up through 2019 came to an end and the large-scale contracts that we were so close to getting simply fell away.

“That said, we still saw growth through 2020, just from different channels. Our D2C channel took off through Amazon and a hastily set up webshop as people wanted to spoil themselves at home. Plus our range started to fly off the shelves in the delis and farm shops around the UK as more people shopped closer to home.

“The Drinks Bakery is now getting closer to partnering with the right sort of UK multiple retail and we’ve been exporting small amounts to Europe, UAE and North America over the last 2 years but things are about to get bigger.

“Being part of the Scotland Food & Drink Academy is exactly the support we need at this crucial stage of scaling.”

Lucy Husband, Market Development and Business Engagement Director at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “The Academy aims to bring a renewed sense of positivity and optimism for businesses when it comes to growing their brands. It is fantastic to see so many local food and drink businesses focus on their future and revisit their ambitions for growth after an extraordinarily difficult year.

“These programmes have a real focus on knowledge sharing, upskilling and innovating, and are fundamentally about helping businesses to deliver a real step-change for long term growth. Change that is rooted in the here and now in the commercial realities of the world we live in, but with an eye to the future.

“Whilst we don’t know what the future might hold, food and drink will undoubtably continue to be a key export and economic contributor for Scotland and we are thrilled to be able to support businesses grow their brand to compete in local, UK and international markets.”

Applications are now open for future cohorts of The Academy. The deadline for applications for cohort two of Seeding Growth which starts in September is Sunday 13 June, however applications will continuously remain open for future cohorts.

The first cohort of Commercial Excellence will start later this year. 

To find our more and apply, please visit: www.foodanddrink.scot/the-academy/

Food for thought!

Gladstone’s Land launches first historical food tour

After opening to the public for the first time last month following a £1.5m restoration, the National Trust for Scotland’s Gladstone’s Land at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is introducing its first ever interactive historical food tour next week (Wednesday June 9). 

Food is a strong theme throughout the 500 year old townhouse which now has a coffee shop and ice cream parlour on the ground floor, inspired by the building’s long history as a place of commerce and catering. 

The ‘Tables Through Time’ tour follows the lives of three women that lived and worked at Gladstone’s Land, telling the story of changing tastes in food in Edinburgh’s Old Town and the impact of trade, class and fashion on people’s diets. As well as hearing about these people, the conservation charity will also be inviting guests to sample some of the food and drink these individuals may have consumed. 

Claire Grant, the National Trust for Scotland’s Operations Manager for Edinburgh said: “It’s impossible to think about Gladstone’s Land without thinking of food. It has been at the centre of Edinburgh’s spice and coffee trade, it’s been a tavern, it’s been a home.

“From the ice cream flavours served to the spices that sit in the tables in the coffee shop, we’ve taken inspiration from the flavourful history of the building, its residents and its many uses over the centuries, to create a place people will love.”

Based on specially-commissioned research from Lindsay Middleton, PhD researcher in food history at the University of Glasgow and University of Aberdeen, the tour goes from a 17th century kitchen on the first floor, an 18th/19th century draper’s on the second floor and a 20th century boarding house on the third floor. 

Visitors will get to taste the likes of bannocks sweetened with fruit, sugar or honey; parlies, a type of ginger biscuit named because they were a favourite with members of the Scottish parliament; and ‘donkey tea’, toast steeped in hot water.

After the tour, visitors can try out an ice cream flavour developed especially for the property. The elderflower and lemon curd ice cream has been created using research about the flavours and tastes that would have been associated with Gladstone’s Land over the years. 

Food historian Lindsay Middleton (above) said: “Historical food is something we are becoming increasingly interested in, whether it is history week on the Great British Bake Off or reading recipes in historical cookbooks and marvelling at strange ingredients and cooking techniques. Scottish food does have a rich and varied history. In the harsh climate, Scottish people have had to be creative with food. 

“On the Tables Through Time tour, we look at three women who lived in Gladstone’s Land, and how food and drink figured in their lives. Considering the different foods that would have been cooked and eaten within the property throughout its history will show how food, life, and work have always been linked.” 

Tickets for the tour can be booked at https://nts.cloudvenue.co.uk/tablesthroughtime

For more information about Gladstone’s Land, go to:  www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/gladstones-land

Krispy Kreme Hotlight Store to open in St James Quarter

A brand new Krispy Kreme Hotlight Store will open its’ doors at new Edinburgh city centre development St James Quarter, when it opens for the first time on 24th June 2021.

The Hotlight Store is only the third concept store to open in Scotland alongside the Edinburgh Hermiston Gait and Braehead stores and only the second to open in Edinburgh since the first opening back in 2013.

Krispy Kreme’s renowned Hotlight gives you the opportunity to enjoy the magic of a freshly made Original Glazed doughnut Hot fresh off the line – whenever you see the ‘Hot Now’ sign lit up at a Hotlight concept store. When it’s on, it’s on!

What’s more – the Edinburgh St James Quarter store will offer six Hotlight hours a day – double the usual Hotlight hours. The store will of course also be adhering to all social distancing and lockdown restrictions.

The Krispy Kreme store will provide 25 new jobs for residents of Edinburgh, who will join 9 internal transfers.

In addition on the opening day, Krispy Kreme will have a limited number of goody bags available with exclusive Krispy Kreme merchandise as well as some exciting giveaways.

Krispy Kreme’s CEO Richard Cheshire said: “We are really excited to be opening our first Krispy Kreme store in Edinburgh City centre partnering with St James Quarter.

“We can’t wait to create more smiles and bring the magic of our iconic Hot Original Glazed doughnuts, fresh off the line, to our fans in Edinburgh.”

#FoodHeroScot launches to put sustainability at the heart of Scotland’s recovering Food and Drink industry

A dynamic new visual storytelling campaign #FoodHeroScot has been launched by Medialiciously and its partners, to create a platform for hospitality businesses in Scotland; showcasing the importance of sustainable products, services and initiatives, whilst shining a light on an industry significantly impacted by the Covid-19 Pandemic. 

The non-profit visual storytelling campaign, #FoodHeroScot, is supported by STV’s £1m Green Fund which aims to champion the efforts of sustainable Scottish SME businesses by raising their profile and communicating with consumers, whilst encouraging Scots to reduce their own carbon footprint. 

The campaign has attracted support from a number of business figures across Scotland including Alan Mahon, Founder of Brewgooder; Anna Lagerqvist Christopherson, Managing Director of Boda Bars; Nick Nairn, Owner of Nairns Ltd; Ayleen Gonzalez, Policy Advisor at Talk Aid; Carina Contini, Director at Victor & Carina Contini; Karis Gill, Co-Founder of Social Stories Club, Loral Quinn, CEO of Sustainably; Kelly Wright, Founder of The Refillery and Calum Haggerty, Managing Director of COCO Chocolatier.

Lee Fitzpatrick, Managing Director of Medialiciously and key founder of #FoodHeroScot said: “We are excited to be launching this innovative campaign and to be working with such great businesses and ambassadors in the hospitality sector who have shown their resilience and willingness to lead by example in driving sustainable impact.

“We want to leave a lasting impression by creating an ecosystem of businesses, partners, sector organisations and like-minded consumers that care about sustainability and the immediate impact of business and buying decisions on the planet.” 

Alan Mahon, movement ambassador and founder at Brewgooder said, “The food and drink industry is one of Scotland’s most dynamic, purposeful and inspiring sectors. To be an ambassador for my peers and to help create a more inclusive, and more impactful industry is a genuine honour.”

Over the course of the next 12 months, the campaign will reveal ten powerful mini documentaries featuring businesses or social enterprises that will be shared on the #FoodHeroScot website and amplified through a media campaign delivered by STV, as part of their Green Fund commitment.  

There will be three nomination and voting phases to encourage a fair competition process. In total, there will be 10 winning businesses and each of them will be gifted a support package worth over £25,000 of in-kind support packages including marketing and PR with the aim of shedding light towards the sustainability efforts of the winning brands. 

Danielle Kelly, STV’s Director of Strategy and Sales Scotland said: “#FoodHeroScot is a fantastic campaign which will showcase the innovation and creativity of Scotland’s hospitality industry in responding to the climate emergency. 

“As Scotland’s Public Service Broadcaster, we are committed to raising awareness of environmental issues and helping to effect change.  Our Green Fund shines a light on the great work of Scottish sustainable businesses and through this exciting new partnership we look forward to championing sustainability across the food and drink sector to help to drive Scotland’s economic recovery.” 

The #FoodHeroScot campaign will also promote the positive contribution of partner food and drink brands through a directory style website, complemented by a growing collection of business leaders and global ambassadors adding their voice and influence on the campaign and providing a far-reaching legacy and change towards sustainability.  

Lee Fitzpatrick concludes: “The Food and Drink industry across Scotland has been significantly affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic and it’s time to highlight their sustainable products, services and initiatives, supporting them in their recovery after such a devastating year for so many.

“We want this platform to spark important discussions and drive businesses to make a conscious change towards sustainability.”

Those interested in supporting the green recovery of the industry should visit www.foodheroscot.co.uk for more details around how to nominate businesses in the food and drink sector. 

Heart Research UK Healthy Tips: Healthier Takeaways

Takeaway food is often cheap, convenient and tasty, but it also tends to be high in fat, salt and sugar. Regularly consuming takeaways can have a negative impact on your heart health and your waistline. Swapping your usual takeaway for a healthier option may be a good way to cut down on fat, salt and sugar.

Heart Research UK has some tips for choosing healthier takeaways:

Find a food outlet with healthy options

Choose a food outlet that provides healthy options on their menu. Some food outlets list calories on their menus to help you to make healthier choices.

Choose wisely from the menu

Avoid deep fried foods, such fried chicken and chips. Swap large deep-pan pizzas for smaller pizzas with low fat toppings and avoid stuffed crust pizzas.

Avoid ordering too much food

Instead of ordering starters, mains, sides and desserts, why not just order a main course and finish off with some fruit and yoghurt. If you order too much, why not share it or freeze a portion.

Make a healthy ‘Fakeaway’ at home

Cook healthier versions of your favourite takeaway dishes at home using online recipes. Try swapping side dishes, such as chips, naan bread or fried rice for home-cooked brown rice or wholemeal pitta bread.

Think about what you drink

Rather than drinking sugary or alcoholic drinks with your takeaway, try drinking low calorie drinks, such as sugar-free squash or water instead. This can reduce your calorie intake as well as the cost.

Slàinte! New limited-edition whisky celebrates Scotland’s Euros return after 23 Years

Whisky lovers will soon be raising a glass to a new limited-edition single malt that has been specially ageing for nearly 23 years – and has only been released to mark Scotland’s reappearance at a major men’s football tournament.

Released by the Gleann Mòr Spirits Company, the Rare Find whisky has been produced in a unique partnership with the Scotland National Team.

The dram was first poured into its cask on 24 June 1998 – the day after Scotland went out of the World Cup to Morocco, losing 3-0 in St Etienne, France.

After decades of hurt, it will now be bottled the day before Scotland’s opening fixture of Euro 2020 against the Czech Republic on 14 June 2021at Hampden Park, Glasgow.

Karin Mair of Gleann Mòr Spirits said: “We are delighted to finally be able to share this special edition with Scotland’s long-suffering football fans.

“During the almost 23 years that it’s been ageing, Scotland may have endured football heartache, but this sublime single malt has been waiting patiently, developing its distinctively divine character.

“Along with the rest of the nation, we’ve also waited patiently, but the time has finally come to crack open this whisky and toast Scotland’s return to the major football stage.”

Only 280 individually numbered bottles will be made available, giving aficionados an unrivalled opportunity to own a unique piece of Scottish footballing history.

Karin added: “This whisky is a truly historic collector’s item that no fan of football or fine malt will want to miss. Its creation has been a long time coming and we know there will be plenty to celebrate on and off the pitch when it’s finally poured.”

Tasting notes

Big, bold and salty on the nose with a hint of sweet autumnal peat and baked apples in the mouth, the sweet peat develops into a sugary cereal layer with a softly spice, gentle ash and a dulcet phenolic finish.

How to buy

The limited-edition Rare Find, which originated from Cask 353892 at the Bowmore distillery, is the star player in a glittering line-up of Scottish National Team whiskies.

Only available to pre-order online, its team-mates in the Gleann Mòr squad are:

  • Glen Elgin 20-year-old single malt – a smooth and classy dram combining sweetly satisfying Scottish honey, warm spice and butter toffee.
  • Scottish National Team Blended Malt Whisky – a mix of select Speyside single malts, rich in lemon shortbread, dried fruit and toasted oak flavours.
  • Scottish National Team Blended Whisky – a winning combination of strength and style, with warming tones of toffee, vanilla, pears and spiced oak.

To find out more and order, please go to http://rarefindwhisky.co.uk/scottishnt.

Morrisons launches new canned cocktails for just £1

-Perfect for picnics in the park and alfresco get-togethers this Bank Holiday weekend-

– Available in eight crowd-pleasing flavours –

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Morrisons has introduced the ultimate bank holiday staple as it launches a range of own-brand canned cocktails. New this week and for just £1 a can, customers can pick up a tipple of their choice: from classic G&Ts to more exotic Woo Woos.

Gin fans will love the classic botanical flavours of the Gin & Tonic, a steal at almost 50% cheaper than branded alternatives. Or for something more summery, thePink Gin & Tonic is guaranteed to hit the spot with its sweet and fruity flavours. Both are available in diet versions.

Others in the range include a Vodka Lime & Soda and a Rhubarb Gin & Ginger Ale. Customers can even be transported to sunnier climes by picking up a Woo Woo or a Mojito.

With warmer weather just around the corner and restrictions around group gatherings relaxed, the new range is landing in stores at the perfect time. 

Jack Coleclough, Spirits Buying Manager at Morrisons said: “This summer will be packed with alfresco get-togethers, the perfect occasion for canned cocktails.

“We’re excited to be introducing our new range for the competitive price of just £1 per can. With eight options available there will be something to please everyone at picnics and parties.”

Morrisons new canned cocktails are available in the following flavours, priced at £1 per 250ml can:

  • Morrisons Gin & Tonic
  • Morrisons Gin & Diet Tonic
  • Morrisons Vodka Lime & Soda
  • Morrisons Pink Gin & Tonic
  • Morrisons Pink Gin & Diet Tonic
  • Morrisons Rhubarb & Ginger Ale
  • Morrisons Woo Woo Cocktail
  • Morrisons Mojito Cocktail

Last week, Morrisons The Best English Sparkling Brut Vintage 2010 was also crowned the overall winner of the Good Housekeeping Institute English Fizz taste test as well as its best budget buy. The bottle costs just £18 – almost half the price of some of the other wines on test. 

Seeing off competitors including Harvey Nichols, Denbies, Waitrose and Aldi the Morrisons bottle scored an impressive 89/100 with the GHI experts describing it as having ‘super smooth bubbles and a touch of honey making this a rich and exceptionally easy-drinking drop.’

As we start reuniting with friends and family, the Morrisons award-winning fizz will be the perfect choice to toast to the Great British summer. 

A-glazing news from Morrisons!

Morrisons is taking its doughnut game to a whole new level as it launches brand new flavours of its ever-popular doughnuts. Fans can upgrade their classic jam filling by choosing from three decadent new flavours: Loaded Brownie, When Life Gives You Lemons and Sweet as Candy.

Customers already go mad for Morrisons doughnuts which are freshly made and filled in store each morning. The new additions are topped with flavoured glazes and a range of tempting toppings which taste just as good as they look; from Loaded Brownie for chocoholics, to Sweet as Candy for sweetie fans.  What’s more, the doughnuts are great value; costing just £2 for a pack of three. 

Caroline Bates, Morrisons Head of Bakery and Cake Shop, said: “We are really proud of our doughnuts and the fact we make them fresh in stores each day. Our customers are always on the lookout for the latest addition, so we can’t wait to see their reaction to these delicious new flavours.”

Sweet-toothed customers will discover lots of other treats as Morrisons launches new cakes, cupcakes and cheesecakes.  Morrisons range of cookies also now includes a classic white chocolate option; The Best Belgian White Chocolate Cookie.

Morrisons new doughnuts are available in 428 stores, priced at £2 for a pack of three. 

The Best Belgian White Chocolate Cookie is available now, priced at £1.50 for a pack of 4, or two packs for £2. 

Care residents travel the world without even packing a suitcase

RETIREES prove you are never too old to travel as they make their way across the continents sampling different cuisines and experiencing new cultures all from the comfort of their home.

Cramond Residence care home in Edinburgh have been running themed events during lockdown, each one based on a different culture, to continue providing enriching experiences and keep residents entertained.

Each themed event consists of traditional music from the chosen destination, culturally appropriate activities, and a special menu to match. Residents will be took a trip to Italy in April, after visiting India in March and China in February.

Lisa Sohn, Lead Lifestyle Coordinator at Cramond Residence, said: “The residents love our themed events as it gives them a chance to reminisce on their favourite holidays and trips whilst some can experience new cultures of countries they haven’t visited before.

“In our ‘trip’ to Italy, our head chef, Patsy McKenzie (above), will be hosting a master class on pizza making where Residents will be encouraged to make their very own pizzas.

“There will also be games and a presentation on the history and culture throughout the month.”

Since restrictions were reinforced at the beginning of the year, residents have been isolating in nine self-contained small-group living units within the purpose-built care home, to help with infection control.

Residents have access to Android tablets and are encouraged to use video conferencing apps to stay connected with friends. Each group’s lounge area can be connected via video to bring the whole home together.

The innovative use of technology has meant that Lifestyle Coordinators at the plush home have been able to deliver a rich activity schedule, including a virtual reality whisky distillery tour, a St Andrew’s Day ceilidh and a trip around the world.

Lifestyle Coordinators lead activities from the high spec cinema room, connecting into each lounge, or each bedroom, encouraging two-way communications with the residents.

Lisa added: “Staff have been working extremely hard over the past few months to think of new activities to keep residents entertained and connected during lockdown.

“It’s so important to organise meaningful and stimulating activities for the residents as this boosts their mental and physical well-being. The themed events have been a major hit across the board. It’s something fun for everyone to get involved in.

“We’re constantly receiving suggestions of where residents would like to travel to next, the list is never-ending!”

Cramond Residence offers high quality care for up to 74 residents utilising a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from our highly-trained team.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/