A new initiative encouraging businesses across Fife to champion the Kingdom’s outstanding food and drink was officially launched this week (Mon 28 Sept) at Fife Creamery.
The Fife Five Food Pledge asks Fife businesses to commit to using, serving and/or selling at least five locally sourced products on their menus or shelves, making it easier for residents and visitors to discover and enjoy food and drink produced in Fife.
Fife has a rich and abundant natural larder, with farmers, growers, producers and artisans creating a diverse range of high-quality products. By sourcing more produce locally, businesses can help keep spend within the local economy, strengthen local supply chains, support jobs and entrepreneurship, and give visitors a more authentic taste of the region.
The pledge is designed to be flexible and accessible. Businesses do not need to have five local products in place immediately and can build their commitment over time, sharing the story of their journey towards using more Fife produce.
Businesses signing up to Fife Five will benefit from promotion through the Welcome to Fife website and social media channels, access to a digital toolkit and promotional materials, as well as access to resources and networking opportunities.
The initiative also aims to respond to growing consumer interest in the provenance of food and drink. Greater use of local produce can reduce food miles while helping businesses offer fresher, seasonal products and tell the stories of the people and places behind them. For visitors, it creates more opportunities to experience the distinctive flavours and character of Fife.
Hilary Roberts, Fife Council’s Lead Officer for Tourism, said:
“By creating stronger links between producers, suppliers, hospitality businesses and retailers, Fife Five aims to strengthen local supply chains, raise the visibility of Fife’s food and drink sector and contribute to community wealth building. The benefits go beyond the promotion of individual businesses, and I look forward to seeing how this initiative will develop over time, creating a lasting economic impact for Fife.”
Local businesses are already demonstrating what is possible. Ed Foster, co-owner of The Rhynd, said:
“We wanted to see just how much of our menu we could source from within a bicycle ride of The Rhynd. What we discovered was incredible – Fife has an amazing network of producers right on our doorstep. It’s made us think differently about what local really means and how we can bring those stories to our customers.”
The Fife Five Food Pledge is a joint initiative between Welcome to Fife and Invest Fife.
Businesses across Fife are now being encouraged to make their pledge and become part of the growing network championing locally produced food and drink.
For more information and to sign up, visit the Fife Five Food Pledge page on the Welcome to Fife industry website - FIFE FIVE FOOD PLEDGE - Welcome to Fife For Industry
