'All-new' Savour the Flavours awarded LEADER funding

Savour the Flavours, an organisation that supports food and drink related businesses in Dumfries & Galloway, has been awarded LEADER funding for a new 2 year project and a fresh start.

Set up 6 years ago, Savour the Flavours all but ceased activities early last year following the reorganisation of the Scottish Enterprise network. Led by businesses from the region’s food, drink and hospitality industries, Savour the Flavours regrouped and restructured to create a new project and organisation – new in all but name.

Dave Smith of the Buccleuch Arms Hotel in Moffat said:
"We are delighted that the new Savour the Flavours project has been awarded LEADER funding under their Wealthier and Fairer Scotland programme. This will initially be a 2 year project starting in the Autumn and we are looking forward to using the funding to help develop a diverse and dynamic business base.

"What makes the new Savour the Flavours so exciting and so important is that it is led by the local food & drink industry, for the local food & drink industry. Previously Savour the Flavours was focussed on helping local companies trade outside the region. We now want to focus on enjoying, as much as trading in, food and drink. We will still help local producers but we want hospitality businesses, local people and visitors to be able to more easily access, understand and really enjoy our wonderful local food and drink."

Dame Barbara Kelly said:
"Rural Dumfries & Galloway LEADER Programme is keen to support small businesses throughout the region and we are delighted to have been able to award funding to Savour the Flavours of Dumfries & Galloway for this excellent example of collaborative working."

Chick McKenna Principal Economic Regeneration Officer comments:
"Food and Tourism are a vital factor to the economy of Dumfries and Galloway and the Savour the Flavours initiative which brings together, producers, distributors, end users and visitors to promote the regions outstanding local produce will enhance and support the industry both within the region and will contribute to promoting our outstanding products and service to a wider audience. Dumfries and Galloway Council look forward to supporting and working with Savour the Flavours to deliver this exciting and innovative initiative to support the local economy."

Local food and drink producers from across the region welcomed the funding announcement.

Ruth Robinson, creator of Ruthy's Scones, based near Dumfries said: "I took part in some of the exhibitions and events organised by Savour the Flavours a few years ago and it really helped me to grow my business and get my products noticed. I think now is the right time to widen the role of Savour the Flavours, and I think the new project will help more businesses than ever before, and help local people to discover and enjoy the fabulous food that is created in this region."

John Hills from Corsock, a new local honey producer said:
"I first heard about Savour the Flavours last winter when I took part in the annual Feast of Galloway event at Kirroughtree and that one event has made such a difference to my business that I'm looking forward to seeing what this new project brings. It's an exciting time to be building up a new food and drink business in Dumfries & Galloway and I'm really pleased that this funding has been secured."

Linda Boynton of Dalbeattie Fine Foods said:
"This funding is great news for food and drink in this region. Dalbeattie Fine Foods has already had quite a bit of press coverage, but it will be great to have support in helping us raise awareness of our award winning products further afield to grow our online sales. It will also be good to be part of a network of local businesses all striving for excellence in local produce."

Allen Henderson of Sulwath Brewers welcomed the funding. The traditional brewery based in Castle Douglas recently scooped the award for Champion Speciality Beer of Scotland 2009 for their 'Solway Mist' beer and hopes the new Savour the Flavours project will help businesses like his grow and gain recognition for their quality products. "Everyone at Sulwath Brewers was extremely proud and thrilled at winning such a prestigious award, and we're looking forward to the Champion Beer of Britain finals next year where we'll compete to be the best in Britain. Savour the Flavours in its new form should make a big difference to us, especially now that it's going to be encouraging local people and visitors to try out locally produced food and drink. We're looking forward to taking part in some of the food events lined up, and we hope the project will help give local businesses a real boost."

Cream o' Galloway is another local business who is attracting national attention, with their organic and fair trade range of ice creams stocked by prominent visitor attractions including the Tower of London and the London Wetland Centre. Wilma Finlay of Cream o’ Galloway said:
"It's great news. This new project will bring together food and drink producers, distributors, users and consumers. Food tourism is hugely important to Dumfries & Galloway and it's likely to become more important in the future, and I'm looking forward to Savour the Flavours creating resources for visitors and local people alike that will make accessing and enjoying local produce easier than ever."

Su Inman of Wigwam Bakery in Creetown said:
"Quality food and drink comes in many shapes and forms and at Wigwam Bakery we firmly believe that small is beautiful, and we have resisted all offers to pressure Wigwam to grow. Everything is made by hand in our tiny kitchen from the best ingredients and with pazazz! So the new approach of Savour the Flavours, supporting local activities, local events and local producers – whatever their plans and aspirations – is really good news."

Savour the Flavours is urging local businesses who are interested in receiving information about the organisation to log on to www.savourtheflavours.co.uk and sign up. Members of the public can also sign up for email alerts and information about local food events.

Dave Smith says he's keen that the organisation is now seen as being for there for everyone who produces, uses and enjoys local food: "Savour the Flavours was originally set up to support food and drink producers, but great food isn't just about the people who make it. It's about the people who sell it, the people who cook it, the people who serve it, the people who talk about it and, most of all, the people who enjoy it. My hope is that Savour the Flavours will become a champion for quality local food that everyone in Dumfries & Galloway can engage with, encouraging pride in and passion for our exceptional local produce."

Contact: For further information contact Lorna Young Tel: 01387 263 886 Email: lorna@indigowords.co.uk