Funding to Promote Local & Regional Products
Food and drink festivals, farmers markets and culinary masterclasses are just some of the projects from across Scotland set to benefit from grants of up to £5,000.
The latest round of the Regional Food Fund will support 15 local and collaborative projects helping small food businesses to thrive while promoting local produce.
Scotland Food & Drink manages the fund aimed at elevating the food and drink industry, enhancing food tourism and showcasing the best the country has to offer.
This includes a £3,000 grant for Angus Farmer’s Market, organised by Appetite for Angus.
The project aims to rescue and revitalise the farmers’ markets in Carnoustie, as well as in Forfar and Montrose, which are due to close in their current form. Markets provide a vital source of income in the area and the funds will contribute to market rebrand.
Also among the beneficiaries is ‘From Tree to Glass‘, a project delivered by Bioregioning Tayside that will create a producer group to promote and grow the area’s craft cider and perry production – preserving its apple, pear and plum heritage. Funds will support delivery of business to business, consumer and education events and materials.
Since 2021, the Scottish Government has provided over £500,000 to the Fund, which has supported 104 collaborative projects, varying from creative artwork to increase customer numbers, new equipment and regional marketing campaigns.
Our food and drink industry is worth £15 billion to the Scottish economy.
— Scot Gov Rural (@ScotGovRural) May 14, 2025
At Scotland Food & Drink's first Showcasing Scotland UK event, Rural Affairs Secretary @MairiGougeon highlighted Scotland’s high quality food and drink. pic.twitter.com/3gdL85DYsY
Scotland’s food and drink industry is worth £15 billion to the economy; it is one of the country’s largest employers and is already well-recognised and established across the world.
RURAL AFFAIRS SECRETARY MAIRI GOUGEON
Engaging with regional markets is vital in achieving our industry strategy and growth ambitions for the next ten years. That’s why, through initiatives like the Regional Food Fund, we are providing much-needed support to small projects to showcase the best products that their regions have to offer.
A wonderful range of projects will be supported through this round, including foraging experiences and masterclasses at Isle of Bute food and drink festival, learning about the turnip being a climate-friendly crop in Fife, or improving their culinary skills at Huntly Hairst’s celebration of local food and drink. I look forward to hearing how each of these exciting projects develops.
New research shows Scotland’s food and drink exports were worth over £7 billion last year alone, equivalent to £1,311 per person in Scotland. Imagine the potential if Scotland were an independent nation back in the European Union. pic.twitter.com/tAdKGkxYo7
— Dave Doogan MP (@DaveDooganSNP) May 30, 2025
We are pleased to be able to support 15 more collaborative food and drink projects around the country with the latest round of the Regional Food Fund.
FIONA RICHMOND, HEAD OF REGIONAL FOOD AT SCOTLAND FOOD & DRINK
Our judging panel were impressed with the level of commitment and creativity shown by the successful applicants, who represent the true passion that makes our vibrant food and drink industry so special.
We know that local food and drink initiatives play a vital role in the continued growth of Scotland’s food, drink, and tourism sectors. Congratulations to this year’s recipients – we can’t wait to see the projects we have supported come to life.
Background
Regional Food Fund | Scotland Food & Drink (foodanddrink.scot)
