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In this weeks newsletter:

Deposit return scheme discussion
Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2020
CMS Scotland & the Food and Drink Federation: It's a wrap: the end of plastic packaging as we know it.
Make innovation happen: how food and drink companies can become confident in turning data into sales
Meet Eyebright
MenuCal
In the news
Dates for your diary

Deposit return scheme discussion

As you may know, Scotland will soon be introducing a deposit return scheme for drinks containers. Deposit return schemes are used across the world as a way of encouraging people to recycle drinks containers such as cans and bottles. They work by charging anyone who buys a drink a small deposit, which they can get back when they return the bottle or can. At the moment, the Scottish deposit return scheme will apply to drinks containers (bottles and cans made of plastic, metal and glass) but it is possible that the scheme will extend beyond this in the future to other containers.

Scottish drinks producers will be partly responsible for the costs of the scheme as they will have to pay a producer fee on every unit that they put onto the market. You can find out more about the scheme here: https://depositreturnscheme.zerowastescotland.org.uk/

We invite our members to come along to Queen Margaret University on the 20th of November from 3.45pm til 5pm to chat with one another about the deposit return scheme and the impact it may have. We can then feedback any questions or comments the group has to the relevant bodies.

If you would like to come along, please email info@scotlandsfooddrinkcounty.com

Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2020 are now open

Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2020 are now open for entry. This years tasted categories are:

Artisanal Product of the Year
Bakery Product of the Year
Brewing Product of the Year
Confectionery, Drinks & Snacking Product of the Year
Dairy Product of the Year
Distilling Product of the Year
Fish & Seafood Product of the Year
Healthier Choice Product of the Year
Meat Product of the Year
Savouries & Accompaniments Product of the Year
Scotch Brand Product of the Year

Tasted categories cost £30.00 ex VAT (members fee)/ £60.00 ex VAT (non member fee)

Business of the Year
Export Business of the Year
Primary Producer of the Year
Young Talent
Scottish Sourcing (Independent Business) 2020
Scottish Sourcing (Multiple Operator) 2020

Business categories are free to enter.

Entries close on the 14 February 2020. For more information on how to enter, click here.

CMS Scotland & the Food and Drink Federation: 'It's a wrap: the end of plastic packaging as we know it'

CMS Scotland and the Food and Drink Federation are holding a seminar on plastic packaging. The event, 'It's a wrap: the end of plastic packaging as we know it', is being held on the 28th of November from 8.30am-10.00am at CMS' offices at Saltire Court, Edinburgh.

The seminar will look at the impact that plastic waste regulations will have on Scottish businesses and how businesses are reacting to the policy changes and new laws to reduce single use plastic.

For more information and to register, click here.

Make innovation happen: How food and drink companies can become confident in turning data into sales

The next Make Innovation Happen event is being held in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire on Tuesday 10th of December 2019, from 10.00-13.00.

The event aims to inspire and motivate businesses to unlock the value of data. Four speakers will guide participants through available resources and use case studies to highlight the opportunities where data capture can lead to new market opportunities, ways of interacting with customers and an increase in efficiency of production.

To find out more about the event and to register, click here.

Meet Eyebright

Eyebright will be at Queen Margaret University on Tuesday the 3rd of December and will be available to meet with members one to one. If you would like to find out more about how Eyebright can support your business, click here.

If you would like to come along on the 3rd of December, email info@scotlandsfooddrinkcounty.com. If you can't make it along on the 3rd of December but are interested in finding out more, let us know and we can arrange for an Eyebright representative to meet with you at a time and place that suits you.

MenuCal

Have you heard of MenuCal? MenuCal is a free online tool that helps businesses put allergen and calorie information on their menu.

If you would like to find out more about MenuCal and how your business can benefit, contact East Lothian Council's Environmental Health Team by emailing lovingfood@eastlothian.gov.uk .

In the news.....

Foodbank out to spread festive joy with Jingle Bags

Starbucks eyeing two sites at East Lothian

Three Harbours Festival will not be held in 2020.

From East Lothian to Italy: how one Scottish family have gone back to their roots to create a foodie haven.

Dates for your diary

20 November
Deposit Return Scheme Discussion
Queen Margret University

28 November
It's a wrap: it's the end of plastic packaging as we know it.
CMS, Saltire Crescent, Edinburgh.

28 November
North Berwick Playgroup Christmas Fair

3 December
Meet Eyebright
Queen Margaret University.

10 December
'Make Innovation Happen: how food and drink companies can become confident in turning datar into sales'
Bellshill

14 February
Closing date: Scotland Food and Drink Awards 2020