Article submitted by: Scotland Food and Drink.

The new supportlocal.scot online directory has helped more than 3,500 Scots source Scotland’s finest food and drink products during recent weeks of lockdown.

The website is a one-stop-shop for food-lovers to access nearly 300 local suppliers of all shapes and sizes across Scotland. And the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire larder is fully stocked with the likes of Sutherlands of Portsoy, Big Beefys Biltong, luxury chocolatier Cocoa Ooze and spirits from Esker Gin and House of Botanicals adding to the directory.

Created by industry body, Scotland Food & Drink, the supportlocal.scot platform aims to connect consumers directly with food and drink businesses. Every Scottish region and every sub-section of the industry is represented, giving consumers a fantastic choice and the opportunity to sample new products or support their favourite brands.

The appetite of the Scottish public to support their local food and drink businesses has been clear to see since Coronavirus restrictions were introduced in March and businesses across the country have innovated to survive.

Lucy Husband, UK Market Development Director at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “At the start of the lockdown, trolleys were filled with pasta and flour as people stockpiled essentials, but since then lots more people have started sourcing their food and drink from local suppliers and going directly to their favourite brands.

“We’ve seen that with our own eyes as thousands have accessed supportlocal.scot. The directory really highlights the incredibly diverse and high-quality food and drink that Scotland has to offer.

“Many of our country’s food and drink businesses lost markets overnight as lockdown was introduced, so innovating and finding new ways to reach their customers has been vital for their survival. But equally as important is the vote of confidence that the Scottish public has given the industry, buying more online and supporting their local suppliers.

“Our food and drinks businesses, which are some of the country’s biggest employers, needs public support now more than ever. It’s fantastic to see Scots get behind local businesses and appreciate the unrivalled larder that we’re so lucky to have on our doorstep.”

Rural Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “The global crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic has presented significant challenges for businesses across the food and drink sector. In these difficult times, we have also seen the sector’s resilience, creativity and innovation.

“Nearly 300 businesses have now registered to be part of the new Support Local website, giving people the chance to buy fantastic locally sourced and produced food and drink direct at the click of a button from home.”

Search the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire directory here and for the wider directory and further information, visit: www.foodanddrink.scot.

This article was submitted by Scotland Food & Drink. If you have any food news about new products, initiatives or updates that you would like to submit, drop me an email to thefoodhoover@outlook.com.