Experiencing Scotland Drives Increase in Food and Drink Sales and Turnover for Scottish Tourism Businesses

A review of Experiencing Scotland has found that the project is helping to enhance visitor experience satisfaction levels and improve the financial performance and turnover of the businesses taking part. Early evidence suggests that the project has been instrumental in generating an average 8% increase in turnover and 7% increase in sales per visitor for the participating companies.

Since it was launched in October 2010, Experiencing Scotland has worked with twenty-four companies on a 1-2-1 basis to carry out an in depth review of each business and put in place practical steps to offer and promote Scottish produce. Through the project, 1-2-1 business advice is supplied by the Merritt-Harrison Catering Consultancy and includes an induction to business tools and support networks; a review of menu offer, service delivery, purchasing, marketing, staff skills and financial performance; a bespoke business action plan; and referrals to suppliers.

The National Trust for Scotland, which operates cafés, tearooms and restaurants at over twenty of its properties across Scotland, has seen a positive improvement in sales, while Glasgow Science Centre reports a 10% increase in revenue from its retail food and drink operation.

Sue McCracken, NTS’ National Catering Development Manager says: “As a conservation charity, our core purpose is to protect and promote Scotland’s rich cultural and natural heritage for present and future generations. Our catering operations therefore need to generate sustainable income growth to finance the vital work of our gardens, buildings, collections’ care and countryside teams.

“The one-to-one advice offered by Experiencing Scotland has enabled us to devise a series of targeted and practical action plans which are already helping our food and drink offer to become a more valuable part of the Trust’s overall operation. It was an extremely worthwhile exercise which is generating real results for us”.

In addition the project has been instrumental in helping to create new business opportunities for Scottish food and drink producers keen to access premium tourism markets, with companies such as Thistly Cross Cider in East Lothian, Overlangshaw Ice cream in the Scottish Borders, Anstruther Cheese Company in Fife and Thomson of Blairgowrie Fruits in Perthshire all benefiting from new trading relationships.

Experiencing Scotland is currently on track to support tourism businesses to contribute an additional £2.074 million GVA to Scotland's food and drink economy by the end of 2012, through improved sales margins driven by Scottish positioning.

Find out more about the one-to-one business support by telephoning 0845 607 8787 or emailing enquiries@scotent.co.uk.

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