Nearly 60 representatives from north east businesses attended a Dining Club event on board NorthLink Ferries’ MV Hjaltland vessel in Aberdeen on Friday (September 30).
The trip was to learn about how the ferry operator has put local produce at the forefront of its onboard offering.
Guests had the unique opportunity to hear about the extensive work that has been undertaken with local producers from the north east as well as those from Caithness, Orkney and Shetland which has resulted in both of NorthLink’s vessels that sail from Aberdeen showcasing an array of local produce in the restaurants, bars and retail shops.
Local suppliers whose produce was used in the menu on Friday included Shetland Salmon; Sustainable Seafoods Ltd; Cambus O’May Cheese Company; Cocoa Ooze Chocolates; Community Food Initiative North East (CFINE), Davidsons of Inverurie Specialist Butchers; Dean’s; Mitchells Oatcakes; Deeside Spring Water; and Caber Coffee.
The Opportunity North East (ONE) Dining Club is delivered in partnership by ONE and Aberdeenshire Council and builds on the success of the networking events previously organised by the Grampian Food Forum. It aims to increase the use of local produce in eating establishments by creating opportunities for local food and drink producers and hoteliers, chefs and restaurateurs to network and build business connections.
NorthLink Ferries is the key provider of lifeline ferry services from the mainland of Scotland to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland, carrying approximately 300,000 passengers annually on its vessels. With more than 80% of its on-board food offering containing ingredients from suppliers based within 50 miles of its operating ports, NorthLink is regarded as a model for promoting local produce and supporting regional food producers.
ONE was established earlier this year as the private sector’s response to the economic challenges facing the region. Private sector led and funded with a five-year £25 million commitment from the Wood Foundation, it aims to support economic growth, broaden the region’s industrial base and retain and create high value jobs in the medium to long term through its work in food, drink and agriculture; oil and gas; tourism; and life sciences. ONE is also the private sector partner in the Aberdeen City Region Deal, which is anticipated to deliver £250 million of UK and Scottish government funding over 10 years, primarily for innovation projects.
ONE aims to build on the region’s significant strengths in food, drink and agriculture through projects and initiatives addressing business growth; innovation; supply chain integration; market development and skills. ONE will co-fund its work with private and public partners, including Aberdeenshire Council, Scotland Food & Drink and Scottish Enterprise, to maximise investment into the sector’s future.
Peter Hutchinson, customer service director with Serco NorthLink Ferries, said: “We are delighted to host the first Opportunity North East Dining Club onboard the MV Hjaltland and to showcase some of the excellent produce which is available within the region. Working closely with many of the producers in the production of our onboard menus has given the NorthLink Ferries team a real insight into the hard work put in daily by our suppliers in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Orkney, Shetland and Caithness.
Our passengers are able to have a real taste of the region when sailing and regularly comment on the range and quality of the food and drink onboard. Today’s event demonstrates the diversity in the products available.”
Peter Cook, ONE director of Food, Drink & Agriculture explained that the Dining Club will form part of a wider programme of new activities that will be delivered by ONE to support growth in the sector.
“We have a really strong food, drink and agriculture industry in the region, which ranges from primary production and processing through to major brands and academic and research capabilities. This is a fantastic position to build from and following extensive engagement with the industry, via our business-led sector board and with partners, we have a clear vision for where we can add value. This will include supporting business growth, market development, strengthening links in the supply chain and increasing the role of innovation in delivering new products. We also intend to build on the successful work of the Grampian Food Forum through events such as the Dining Club and are very pleased to have Elizabeth Mathie now working within the ONE team on the sector priorities,” said Mr Cook.
Email Elizabeth.Mathie@opportunitynortheast.com if you wish to be informed about future ONE food, drink and agriculture activities.