Launching our Manifesto: thoughts from ScotHot 2019
Last month, ScotHot 2019 saw the launch of a new exciting initiative: a Scottish Manifesto of Chefs and Cooks. This Manifesto sets out what cookery professionals can do to contribute to Scotland becoming a Good Food Nation – a place where ‘people from every walk of life take pride and pleasure in the food served day by day’.
Launching this initiative at ScotHot was an exhilarating experience. With over 5700 people attending the show, many of whom working in food and drink, this was undoubtedly the hot event of the year for the sector. Just opposite the buzzing Staff Canteen Live, our stand was in the centre of the culinary action, a fantastic place to gain visibility and reach out to our audience: chefs and food professionals from across the country.
We engaged with hundreds of people over the two days, hearing many stories about how people relate with the values of the Manifesto, and the issues it seeks to address. It was really clear that this initiative appealed to many people in the industry, and that it addresses hot issues.
If we had any doubts about the chances of success of this Manifesto before the launch, we left ScotHot feeling hopeful and invigorated. There is an undeniable need and appetite for change in the industry, but also buckets of energy and enthusiasm, which we felt throughout the show.
With 60 chefs and cooks signed up to the Manifesto, and 60 more having expressed their support, there is real potential, but also still a long way to go, to gather the critical mass of support we need. This is only the beginning, and we will continue to explore every opportunity to share our vision and build a community of chefs and cooks who can be the change that’s needed in the industry.
ScotHot was the perfect place to have launched this Chefs and Cooks’ Manifesto. We shared our message far and wide, and made so many contacts. It provided us with a unique opportunity to be seen and heard by the leaders and influencers of the industry. We will be back!
