Local Foods
Introduction
The market for local foods in Scotland is growing apace, delivering a range of social, economic, cultural, health and environmental gains. Growth would be impossible without co-operation and collaboration amongst producers and in supply chains, whether organising a farmers market, or creating a distribution hub.
There are multiple strands to the local food market in Scotland, and several of these have enormous potential for further development and expansion. The following demonstrate the multiple layers of local food businesses and opportunities:
- Farmer producer retailers are increasing in number, adding value to their produce and selling direct to consumers to obtain the full value for their products
- Farmers' Markets (many as co-ops) and Farm Shops are growing, providing retail outlets and face-to-face connection between producers and consumers
- Larger local food processors (some having outgrown the farm) are supplying local shops and supermarkets
- Several speciality processors have expanded very successfully through mail order and e-business
- Long established Scottish companies have developed exports and global brands, built on quality and Scottish identity
- Many high street butchers have specialised in selling a full range of local meat and other products
- Speciality retailers are placing increasing emphasis on local supplies, creating new supply chain opportunities
- Multiple retailers are sourcing more local produce creating more demand in supply chains, creating new supply chain opportunities
- Community food co-ops throughout Scotland are expanding their activities
- The tourism industry attaches increasing importance to food as a component of local culture
- The Scottish Government is committed to increasing purchases of local food by the public sector
- Local food may contribute less to carbon emissions than imported foods