Provenance toolkit

A successful trial of the Provenance on a Plate guide has already generated increased sales of fresh, seasonal produce, raised greater consumer awareness of local produce and built stronger links with local food suppliers. Designed as a code of practice, it aims to clarify legal requirements and best practice guidelines for food and drink origin declarations on menus and provide clear, accurate and consistent information to consumers when eating out. Almost 30 stakeholders within Scotland's food and drink industry were consulted during the development of the toolkit. Speaking at the official launch of the initiative, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said the toolkit provides consumers with the information they need to make informed choices about the food and drink they buy. “The pilot achieved some impressive results and the feedback from those businesses involved was extremely positive,” he added. Professor Jan Bebbington, vice-chair of Sustainable Development Commission Scotland, said: "It has previously been quite difficult for consumers to check the origin and sustainability of the produce they are offered both in restaurants and supermarkets. It is very encouraging to see that the Scottish Government is developing tools to make it easier.”