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A top Aberdeen-based chef today backed a national campaign aimed at highlighting the benefits of buying fresh, seasonal food.

Robbie Robertson gave his support to the Scottish Government's 'Eat Fresh, Eat Seasonal' initiative which is encouraging people to support Scotland's food and drink industry by rediscovering the benefits of eating food that is in season and to take notice of where their food actually comes from.

People are becoming more aware about what they are putting in their shopping baskets and are choosing to eat seasonal food for a variety of reasons including health and environmental benefits.

Robbie 38, Executive Development Chef for ESS Compass Group, who has cooked for the likes of Girls Aloud, Madonna and the Queen, welcomed the 'Eat Fresh, Eat Seasonal' campaign which was launched in Edinburgh last week by Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead.

Mr Lochhead said: "The surge in demand for Scottish produce that we've witnessed in recent years shows many people are already aware of the outstanding quality of fresh, seasonal food on their doorsteps. Scotland is home to some of the finest produce in the world, and we should be extremely proud of that reputation.

"As well as supporting local businesses, eating fresh, seasonal produce can provide significant benefits to the environment and play an important role in a healthy, balanced diet. Retailers are increasingly seeking to stock and promote local produce in order to meet growing consumer demand.

"This campaign has already attracted widespread support and I'm sure consumers in Aberdeen will sign up to be part of Scotland's food revolution. Alongside our national food and drink policy, it will help provide the public with the ingredients to make informed food choices and help create a healthier, wealthier and more environmentally sustainable Scotland."

Tips for eating fresh and seasonal include checking food labels so you can see where your food comes from, experimenting with seasonal food and asking stores and restaurants whether they source their food locally.

Endorsing the Scottish Government campaign local chef, Robbie gave a food demonstration at the city's Bon Accord Centre where he prepared pork fillet salad and strawberry and rhubarb cranachan using seasonal produce.

The award-winning chef, who champions using seasonal produce, said: "Every season in Scotland offers people the chance to taste a variety of wonderful locally-grown produce which can be used to support a varied, balanced diet throughout the year.

"Eating food that's fresh and in season usually tastes noticeably better and it's good to see many more people are rediscovering the benefits of eating seasonal food by popping into their local butchers on a Saturday morning or to the farmers' market.

"I'm delighted to support the Scottish Government's campaign and hope to increase people's awareness of the excellent selection of produce that is available to us on our doorstep."

A series of road shows will take place across Scotland to support the campaign. The second event takes place at the Bon Accord Centre in Aberdeen today and will be followed by the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness on Wednesday February 10 and the St Enoch Centre in Glasgow on Wednesday February 17. The launch took place at the St James Centre in Edinburgh on Wednesday January 27.

Information on the benefits of buying and eating seasonal food will be provided at the road shows, along with recipes on how to cook dishes using seasonal produce.

Eat Fresh, Eat Seasonal has also teamed up with a number of Scottish-based producers including Baxters, Macsween, Inverawe Smokehouse, Highland Spring, A Taste of Arran, Stoats, Connage Highland Dairy, Mrs Bridges, SuperJam, Heather Hills Farm, Walkers, Tunnock's, The Highland Chocolatier, to provide food items to give away at the road shows.

Shoppers will also be given a chance to win a Scottish food hamper at each of the road shows.

Buying seasonal is also one of the things people can do to help nature as part of the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity Campaign.

Organisations including Scotland Food and Drink, Quality Meat Scotland, Seafish, Seafood Scotland and Scottish Salmon have endorsed the campaign.

Paul McLaughlin, Scotland Food & Drink chief executive, said: "Scotland has an abundance of delicious seasonal food but it's essential we raise consumer awareness to benefit the producers and the nation's health - this new campaign can help do just that.

"Scotland is home to some of the finest vegetables, summer fruits, cheese, meat and fish to name only a few, and it's important Scots choose local produce to support our world-class food and drink industry."

The Scottish Retail Consortium has also given its support to the national campaign.

Ian Shearer, Interim Director of the SRC said: "Our members work closely with Scottish suppliers to ensure consumers have access to great produce. This is supported by clear labeling so shoppers who want to buy Scottish food have no trouble in identifying it and nutritional advice to encourage healthier eating choices.

"Retailers also encourage customers to reduce waste by offering tips on how to cook from scratch and make best use of food. We support this new campaign and look forward to continuing our work with the Scottish Government and its partner agencies in raising consumer awareness of the benefits of eating fresh, seasonal produce."

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