Ayrshire Food an’ a’ That

Together with ‘Tastes of Ayrshire’, ‘Ayrshire Food an’ a’ That’ is an initiative to support and promote food and drink businesses within the Ayrshire region.

Founded in October 2020 in collaboration with the Ayrshire Food Network, the aim is to identify and promote new opportunities for food and drink in Ayrshire.

Numerous events are held throughout the year to increase market awareness both to the public and to businesses interested in food and drink. Ayrshire businesses are encouraged to join, free of charge via www.ayrshire.food/membership.

Benefits of membership include:

  • A monthly email newsletter outlining new funding opportunities, training, and business news for the Food & Drink sector.
  • Regular promotion via all our social media channels
  • Be one of our ten featured businesses every month
  • Assistance with funding applications
  • Support from our Regional Food Group Coordinator
  • Invitations to regular business ‘meet & greet’ events

Membership is open to any food or drink individual or business located within Ayrshire, be they a wholesaler, hotel, restaurant, small food producer, etc.

Now in its second year, the Grow Ayrshire Accelerator Programme offers businesses the tools, connections, and expert guidance to push their products to local shelves or into wholesale, public procurement, and retail markets. A nine-stage Growth Plan is supplied, from a business review to full implementation and Peer to Peer learning opportunities. Even if you have no immediate plans to expand, this is a perfect opportunity to gain the skills you need to understand the wider supply chain and adapt your business for future growth.

Those committing to the Grow Ayrshire Accelerator Programme receive face-to-face sessions and access to industry experts, for a small fee of £100.

This is a great opportunity for Food and Drink businesses who are looking to grow their business, but places are limited so please submit your application as soon as possible. The programme suits startups and small/medium business based in Ayrshire and Arran. Each application will be assessed on its own merits and suitability for the programme.

Workshops:

  • Retail. 1 Day 26 January 2027 – Ingram Enterprise Centre, Kilmarnock
  • Wholesale 1 Day 2 February 2027 – Ingram Enterprise Centre, Kilmarnock
  • Operator ½ Day 9 February 2027- Ingram Enterprise Centre, Kilmarnock
  • Digital ½ Day 16 February 2027, Digital Processing Manufacturing Centre, Irvine
  • Sustainability & SMAS ½ Day 23 February 2027 – Ingram Enterprise Centre, Kilmarnock
  • Branding & Marketing ½ Day 2 March 2027 – Ingram Enterprise Centre, Kilmarnock

Additional sessions will include product presentation techniques and the opportunity to pitch your products to a panel of potential buyers.

If you require further information, or have questions relating to an application, visit the website:

www.ayrshire.food/grow

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