Fresh Local Produce

NorthLink Ferries is determined to extend its ‘Buy Local Produce’ policy and has pledged that even more local food and beverages will feature on its on-board menus.

Last year the percentage of food and drink procured from local suppliers was 29.2% and this figure continues to rise. It does so because of the ferry company’s commitment to local suppliers and also as a result of the “Buyer Briefing” and “Meet the Buyer” events organised by Scottish Food and Drink whereby local producers were able to put their product in front of the company.

NorthLink has always given top priority to working closely with local food and drink producers. The ongoing ‘Islands Fayre’ promotion in on-board restaurants whereby Northern Isles’ produce figures prominently has proved to be a big attraction for customers.

However, the ‘Buy Local’ policy includes not only Orkney and Shetland. Produce from the Caithness and Grampian areas also feature prominently on the menus. The company’s policy encompasses all of the areas – mainland and islands – from which NorthLink operates its lifeline services between Aberdeen and the Northern Isles and Scrabster-Stromness on the Pentland Firth.

The company’s Fleet Manager Hotel Operations, Peter Hutchinson, said: “We are fortunate that we are able to source world-class products – meats, fish, dairy, beverage and confectionery lines - while still remaining true to our policy of supporting local producers. That speaks volumes for the quality and freshness of produce which is available within a 50-mile radius of our operating ports of Lerwick, Kirkwall, Stromness, Scrabster and Aberdeen.”

Peter adds: “Earlier this year, in association with Scottish Food and Drink, an invitation was extended to all local food and beverage producers to attend a Buyer Briefing on board one our vessels.

“Over 40 producers attended. The level of interest was more significant than we would ever have anticipated. We outlined our requirements and explained our intention, whenever possible, of working with high quality producers who could provide us with a continuous supply of high quality produce. Many of those who attended the inaugural meeting returned to subsequent Meet the Buyer days held in Aberdeen, Lerwick and Stromness,” he said.  

The selection process, followed by a number of site visits to supplier premises, resulted in new agreements with suppliers of fresh fish, mussels,  biscuits, bakery products, premium yoghurts, bottled waters, coffee and healthy soft drinks.

These new lines enhanced the many products already showcased on board through the company’s existing links with the Orkney Quality Food and Drink Association, the Shetland Food Group and the Grampian Food Forum.

Peter adds: “The use of local ingredients throughout the menus, and also on display in the on board shops, shows the Company’s commitment to the local economy and community members many of whom travel with NorthLink Ferries on a weekly basis for both business and pleasure.

“Additionally, the many thousands of tourists who visit the Northern Isles during the year are also able to taste the local products for the first time whilst sailing with us,” he said.