Scotland’s Food and Drink County
In 2016 an exciting new collaboration between local food and drink producers saw the first Food & Drink Business Improvement District (BID) established in East Lothian.
Known as the “garden county” East Lothian has a thriving food and drink sector, with a rich heritage and reputation for delivering high quality produce. From flour to beef to rapeseed oil, the rich farmlands of East Lothian produce some of the finest food in Scotland.
Home to one of Scotland’s finest malt whisky distilleries, the region also produces first class, gin, beer and cider. With over 40 miles of coastline, the county boasts a plentiful supply of freshly landed fish and seafood and has seen success in less traditional produce including spices, oils, ice-cream
and chocolate.
Through our Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation, (SCFDI) we are delighted to be an Associate Member of the BID, actively working with and supporting member companies. The academic team at SCFDI have assisted a number of members of the BID research and develop new products, reformulate existing products and carry out sensory and taste panel analysis.
In addition, BID member companies have also engaged with QMU students on a wide range of products including marketing, PR and video production.
We host the Food & Drink Business Improvement District (BID) in our Business Innovation Zone, further strengthening and extending our support and engagement with the team.
We welcome all enquiries and interest in collaboration with the BID - contact the Research and KE Development Unit (RKEDU): rkedu@qmu.ac.uk
