WITH the Year of Food and Drink now behind us, it is vital to ensure that the key messages are continually heralded by local businesses around Scotland.
With Aberdeen’s current economic climate experiencing a challenging period, and many industries across the North-east facing thought-provoking times, it is crucial to recognise the importance of local businesses in driving our city forward.
The food and drink sector is one of the largest growing industries in Scotland, with over 4,067 active restaurants and eateries in Scotland in January 2016, showing an increase of over 330 from the previous year, it is clear it is growing rapidly.
Aberdeen has a huge food and drink hub, showcasing the outstanding larder the North-east boasts.
Restaurant offerings have changed fashionably over the past decade in the North-east, and since establishing Ciao Napoli in 2003, we have certainly seen a huge difference in the industry.
With the addition of numerous multinational fast-food takeaways popping up in the city, chain restaurants confusing the public with their “traditional” offering of cuisines, and the attitudes and habits of diners changing, the industry has been faced with many challenges.
Nowadays, individuals are much more aware about what they are putting in their mouths and using local, high quality produce has never been more important.
People used to go out for a leisurely dinner and really indulge in the full restaurant experience.
Nowadays, individuals are less likely to eat out due to supermarket dine in deals and other similar offers.
Restaurants used to form relationships with their customers, putting that personal spark into their work with every customer, providing the highest quality of service possible.
At Ciao Napoli, we feel it is important to develop positive, friendly rapport with all of our customers, and this is something we are extremely passionate about delivering; a true, authentic, restaurant experience.
Aberdeen has a fantastic character, which the food and drink industry contributes to, so it is important that the public help support local businesses to safeguard the economy over the coming years.
The city is vibrant and full of life, exactly like the food and drink industry, and boasts many businesses which are flourishing in innovation, bringing a wealth of new concepts to our fantastic city.
I’ve worked for over 30 years as a chef to get to where I am today and I still strive to ensure that I learn something new every day.
I have great relationships with all of my customers and I very much hope that Aberdeen can go back to the old days when restaurant owners would know every single diner in the restaurant personally.
Food is like fashion, it goes through different transitions and trends return - I just hope this is one trend which returns.