SNP aims to promote homegrown pub produce

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has announced plans to grow and promote its pubs' and restaurants' use of local produce in its new manifesto.

The party has proposed a Scottish Food Fans star ratings system that would focus on venues sourcing domestic and seasonal produce. Details of how the plan would work are yet to be decided, but it is thought that venues would apply for Food Fan status and it could develop into a food guide of dining venues in Scotland that focus on local produce.

The idea would be to let both tourists and domestic customers know where they could taste "the best of Scotland".

Research has increasingly shown that diners want to know where their food is sourced from and prefer to eat locally sourced foods. However, a Local Government Regulation investigation earlier this year revealed that one in five restaurant menus were misleading customers as to the origin of certain foods, suggesting that an official system to recognise food miles could be beneficial.

"Scotland has world-leading natural produce," said SNP cabinet secretary for rural affairs and environment Richard Lochhead. "Our meats and seafood are recognised around the world and we can do more to make sure they are recognised at home.

"Food Fans would mark out restaurants, cafés or even food shops at any level using Scottish produce or with a focus on Scottish produce.

"Whether a restaurant stocks a particular kind of local Scottish meat, seafood or local veg, a pub specialises in Scottish beers and ales, or whether it sells nothing but Scottish produce there will be a Food Fan status for all those with a commitment to good quality Scottish produce."

The SNP hopes that supporting Scottish produce will create more jobs in hospitality and provide a boost to the industry.

The Food Fans system is the latest in a string of measures introduced by the Scottish Government over the last four years that has contributed to a 30% increase in the sale of Scottish brands across England, Scotland and Wales.

It has the support of top Scottish chef Roy Brett, who owns Ondine — one of the country's best seafood restaurants.