More than 60 chefs and cooks from across Scotland have pledged their support to a new culinary manifesto, which aims to reform Scotland’s hospitality industry from within.
Developed by food charity Nourish Scotland in consultation with chefs throughout the country, The Manifesto of Chefs and Cooks sets out long-term aims to work for a fair, sustainable, and successful food sector in Scotland.
Officially launched yesterday at ScotHot – Scotland’s largest trade event for the tourism, hospitality and catering sectors – The Manifesto of Chefs and Cooks aims to encourage food professionals to commit to making Scotland a good food nation.
Early supporters of The Manifesto of Chefs and Cooks include Scotland’s National Chef, Gary Maclean; chef and director of Café St Honoré, Neil Forbes; chef and broadcaster Sumayya Usmani; Sodexo Development Chef for Scotland, David Ward, Head Chef at Borthwick Castle, Derek Johnstone; and chef activist Ffion Smith.
The Manifesto of Chefs and Cooks sets out a vision for the future of Scottish produce. By launching the manifesto, Nourish Scotland aims to help make the Scottish hospitality industry a force for good in supporting local producers and offering exciting career opportunities, all while delivering top quality, internationally recognised food.
From how chefs run their kitchens and share knowledge, to how restaurants communicate with customers, source ingredients and manage their environmental footprint, sustainability and good business practice are at the heart of The Good Food Nation Manifesto.
Steve Brown, Coordinator of the Scottish Slow Food Chefs’ Alliance and General Manager at the Edinburgh School of Food & Wine, has been a driving force behind the initiative and this week praised Nourish Scotland for opening up the conversation about the values and practices that prevail in the hospitality industry.
He said, “Having worked in the hospitality industry for more than 20 years, I have seen my share of poor
“The Manifesto of Chefs and Cooks is crucial to encourage everyone to achieve, maintain and strengthen the values it contains, and to work together to ensure that the industry offers positive experiences for its members while supporting local business and protecting the environment around us.”
Derek Johnstone (pictured), Head Chef at Borthwick Castle, said, “This is a really positive step in the right direction for the whole hospitality industry, all across Scotland. The Manifesto of Chefs and Cooks ties in perfectly with our ethos at Borthwick Castle – from managing our environmental footprint, to working with local suppliers. I’m delighted to pledge my support.”