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. No wonder the BID is being marketed as Scotland’s Food and Drink County.

Through our Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation,  Queen Margaret University is 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 Bto 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.

The University is proud to host the BID administration team in our Business Innovation Zone further strengthening and extending our support
and engagement with the team

Further info on East Lothian Food and drink BID.