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We’ve just wrapped up another inspiring Food, Drink, and Tourism Industry Month and what a month it was!
Delivered in partnership with Forth Valley Food and Drink Network, this year’s programme brought together industry professionals, local producers, and hospitality champions to explore, connect and celebrate everything that makes our region’s food and tourism scene so special.
Over the course of four events, more than 185 people booked to take part — from seasoned business owners and chefs to creative marketers and emerging talent. Each event provided space to learn, connect, and discover the incredible local assets we have right here in Central Scotland.
Here’s a look back at the highlights:
Food, Drink and Tourism Industry Forum
Our month began with a thought-provoking morning of talks and networking, held at STEP’s Stirling Enterprise Park. The forum welcomed a fantastic mix of business owners, producers, and tourism professionals.
Speakers from Scotland Food & Drink, VisitScotland, Stirling Council and CodeBase offered fresh insights into regional trends, visitor behaviour and how technology is constantly reshaping the way we market and deliver experiences.
We also heard from two local businesses making waves in their respective industries — Stirling Eats, and the Guided App, both of whom shared how they’re supporting small businesses and outdoor experiences in new, innovative ways.
Chefs of the Future 2025
What a fantastic evening we had at the Gallery Restaurant at Forth Valley College celebrating 10 years of Chefs of the Future!
This milestone event hosted in partnership with Forth Valley College and Forth Valley Food and Drink, marked a decade of spotlighting the next generation of culinary talent — and this year’s showcase was one of the most exciting yet.
Guests were treated to an impressive tasting experience crafted by hospitality students who poured their passion, skill, and creativity into every dish. But the evening was about more than just brilliant food. In honour of the 10-year anniversary, we also reflected on the incredible growth of the food and drink sector across Stirling over the past decade.
Since the very first Chefs of the Future event in 2015, the hospitality sector in Stirling has seen remarkable progress:
· Hospitality jobs have increased by nearly 430, supporting more local employment opportunities across the region.
· The sector now generates an impressive £234 million, underlining its importance not only as a cultural cornerstone but also as a vital economic contributor.
It was a powerful reminder that with the right support, the chefs and hospitality leaders of tomorrow are already making their mark — and the future is looking bright (and delicious!).
Meet the Producers
With 60 trade professionals booked, our final event brought the region’s food and drink offering centre stage. Guests were invited to sample local produce, meet suppliers and explore collaborative opportunities through our ever-popular ‘Tasting Tables’ format.
The producer line-up included:
· CollyMoon Craft Gin
· Brine & Smoke
· Perthshire Preserves
· fondlyiced
· Stirling Distillery
· Foragers Foods
· Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing Brewery
· SLOPEmeisteR
· Seaweed Farming Scotland
· IO Fibre Water
· The Golden Bottom Bakery
· Forth Valley Food and Drink Network
From bold spirits and small-batch salmon, to artisan granola and functional fibre water, the event highlighted just how rich and diverse our local food ecosystem is.
“Food, Drink and Tourism Month is one I look forward to every year — it’s always full of energy, collaboration and passion. This year did not disappoint. From meeting future chefs and new producers to exploring innovation and industry trends, there was a real buzz across every event. It’s such a joy to help shine a light on the people and businesses that make our region so vibrant.”
— Jenn McArthur, STEP
This year’s programme was proudly delivered in partnership with Forth Valley Food and Drink, Network whose support and energy continue to shine a light on the makers, growers, and doers who fuel our region’s food and drink identity.
“It’s always fantastic to see the region come together to champion local producers, celebrate innovation, and support one another — and this year’s programme really captured that spirit. Our partnership with STEP continues to grow stronger each year, and it’s clear that collaboration like this is key to driving forward our vibrant food, drink and tourism economy.” — Stacey Spence, Coordination and Marketing, Forth Valley Food and Drink Network
With more events, festivals, and initiatives on the horizon, we’re already planning for next year. If you’d like to help shape the future of Food, Drink and Tourism Industry Month or want to be part of 2026’s programme we’d love to hear from you.
marketing@stepscotland.co.uk
Thanks to everyone who joined us this March — let’s keep the conversation going!
