COMPANIES operating in the food and drink sector along the Borders Railway corridor yesterday showcased the best of the area’s cuisine to more than 100 buyers at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh.
The event was part of a new campaign called Borders Rail More Connected to promote opportunities for businesses, investment and employment in the railway catchment area.
Funded by the Borders Railway Blueprint Inward Investment Group, it is being supported by the local food and drink advisory service, Connect Local and Scotland Food and Drink.
It has brought together for the first time suppliers based in the Borders, Midlothian and Edinburgh to highlight their produce to retailers, hoteliers and restaurateurs committed to using local produce.
Phil Dibsdale, inward investment manager for the Borders Railway Blueprint Group, said: “The Borders Railway is about being more connected. Not just the obvious transport connections but also connecting businesses to new markets and talent; connecting entrepreneurs to new opportunities and linking people to jobs and the countryside to the city. ”
The Scottish food and drink industry is worth £14.4 billion. More than 119,000 people are working directly in the industry and food manufacturing in Scotland is growing at twice the rate of the UK average for the sector.
Fiona Richmond of Scotland Food and Drink said: “If you’re from this area, you know you’ll always have great food at your fingertips.”
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