February brings an ongoing feast of opportunities for Ayrshire Food and drink producers

We are well into  2017  and  innovative  collaborations   continue to happen

 January  22-24th  saw  our two newest  members  Bhaile  Craft  bakery,  and    All  that's Delicious  at the  #Speciality    Food  Show ..In addition to winning  category awards , there  was  very significant    commercial   interest  in their  excellent product ranges .

Feb 8th  provided  the  unique  opportunity    for Ayrshire   & Arran  producers to take their produce  to an Ayrshire Larder  event   at the  Palace  of Westminster in  London.. as part of a #Loveayrshire  joint  event .. the setting  was    historic  and the  reception given to the produce   was   most encouraging ..We thank  our local MPs  for sponsoring the event  . and the 3 councils  for making it possible .

Particular thanks  goes to  Neil McAleese for organising  and    mastering the   formidable  logistical  challenge, and to the 3   ambassadors from @Ayrshirecollege who transformed  excellent  ingredients  into  exciting  canapes.  10  AFN  members  were present  or were  represented

@Slowfooduk   was  there   plus #TheCooksCompanyofLondon  .. a City of London livery company  which  has  been established  for   600  years plus ... between them they know a lot about food and drink , and recognise  quality when they experience it ... they  really enjoyed  meeting  the personalities   behind the produce !!

 Planning  is now going ahead    for     the  new monthly    street   market  in Troon  launching   in March ,  and a reorganised  monthly   Saturday  farmers market  at  Burns   Birthplace museum at Alloway starting in  April  In addition  there will   be a new weekly   food and craft market in Girvan launching on Good  Friday

These  will compliment  the  monthly  AFM   Sunday market at  Ayr Central   and the long  established  monthly    markets in  Ayr  high street  and Kilmarnock

Full details  and links can be found  in the Ayrshire Larder   Food and drinks event calender  embedded  in the members section of the Ayrshire Food Network web site

 Further  along the horizon   the Dumfries  House Food fair  will restart in April    along with the NTS Culzean  market  Activities

For  many  their sights  are already  set on the 3rd  Ballantrae   food and drink festival  scheduled for Sunday  11th June .. .. As last  year  ,  it is anticipated   that  more than 20  members will be involved

As  for the   two  major   international   Golf events  being held  at Dundonald   Links  in July  the   hospitality   opportunities are   perhaps  boundless

Meanwhile  we  should try  no doubt to  keep our feet on the ground and   focused on   satisfying our customer needs  and requirements

 good luck      and please remember to share  your good news stories