From estate to plate

8 Sep 2010 11:47 AM

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead visited Braehead Foods in Kilmarnock yesterday to see how this Scottish company is leading the way in supporting fine cuisine, supplying the crème of the hospitality and retail arena across the UK.

Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight, which runs until September 19, is an opportunity for Scotland's finest artisan food companies to showcase their finest skills and produce.

Braehead Foods stock a large range of speciality foods for the discerning chef including game, poultry and beef, speciality meats, cheeses, chocolate, and an extensive range of dry goods. With the 'from estate to plate' concept, the company source a wide variety of game and deliver to chefs across the UK and across Europe.

Mr Lochhead said:

"Scotland's food and drink sector is both a huge success and vital to our economic recovery. In 2008, the supply chain employed over 369,000 people across Scotland and in 2007, generated value added of almost £9 billion for Scotland's economy.

"Retail sales of Scottish brands across Scotland, England and Wales have increased by a fantastic 30% between May 2007 and May 2010, and last year saw a record increase in Scottish food and drink exports with international sales reaching an all-time high of over £4 billion.

"As well as producing first class raw materials, Scotland needs a skilled work force to maximise this natural resource. I welcome Braehead Foods commitment to developing Scotland's chefs of tomorrow with their Cook School Scotland, and the promotion of home-grown Scottish produce and ingredients.

"My congratulations go to company owner, Craig Stevenson, on receiving the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' from the Hospitality Industry Trust in March.

Mr Stevenson said:

"I am delighted that Richard has taken time out of his busy schedule to visit us at the Cook School Scotland in Kilmarnock".

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