Stirling to Host Sizzling Showcase of Food, Drink and Tourism
Stirling is turning up the heat this March with a dynamic line up of events designed to inspire, connect and showcase the region’s food, drink and tourism industry.
Article Source: Step
Last Updated: 11 February 2025 12:28
Food, Drink and Tourism Industry Month, hosted by Central Scotland’s Business Support Organisation STEP and Forth Valley Food and Drink network, promises to bring together businesses, buyers and food enthusiasts for an exciting programme focused on learning, growth and collaboration.
With a spotlight on Forth Valley’s rich local larder and culinary creativity, the month will showcase some of Scotland’s most exciting food and drink producers. From industry forums to tastings and networking opportunities – and even a competitive culinary showdown featuring the chefs of the future – the programme will reinforce the region’s status as a leading food, drink and tourism destination.
Programme highlights include:
Tuesday 4 March: Food, Drink, and Tourism Industry Forum
The month-long programme kicks off on Tuesday 4 March with the Food, Drink and Tourism Industry Forum; a morning of discussions and networking opportunities aimed at exploring the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector. Industry experts will delve into emerging trends and the growing importance of collaboration across food, drink and tourism businesses.
Thursday 13 March: Chefs of the Future
On Thursday 13 March, all eyes will turn to the kitchens at Forth Valley College for the Chefs of the Future competition. Budding chefs will put their skills to the test as they go head-to-head in a thrilling cook-off, showcasing their innovative ideas and culinary creativity.
Monday 17 March: Food and Drink Photography Basics
The focus shifts to photography on Monday 17 March, with a workshop tailored for food and drink businesses. Join camera pro Paul Saunders for a session covering the essential techniques to capture mouth-watering images. Perfect for food business owners, marketers and content creators looking to enhance their visuals.
Wednesday 26 March: Meet the Producer
Don’t miss the grand finale of the month, an annual showcase of Stirling’s finest local produce. Featuring a mix of well-loved local brands like Stirling Distillery and rising stars like oak smoked salmon specialists Brine & Smoke, a family run business based in Kinlochard who won Silver for Best New Chilled Product at Scotland’s Speciality Food and Drink show.
The event poses an unmissable opportunity for food buyers to connect with local producers, sample their creations and hear their stories.
“Participating in the Meet the Producer event is an incredible opportunity to connect with the local food and drink community and share the passion that drives our work,” said Yas Rios McCrone, head chef at Brine & Smoke. “We’re thrilled to showcase our salmon products and stand alongside other fantastic producers making Stirling a destination for food lovers.”
Organisers say the month isn’t just about food – it’s about building connections and creating new opportunities for growth across Stirling’s business community.
Stacey Spence, co-ordinator of Forth Valley Food and Drink added: “This initiative is about celebrating Stirling’s vibrant food and drink industry while creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration and growth.
“We’re looking forward to bringing people together to share ideas, make connections and enjoy all the incredible flavours Forth Valley has to offer.”
Jenn McArthur, Marketing and Business Development Director at STEP added: "Stirling has an incredible wealth of talent across the food and drink sector, and this month-long programme gives us the opportunity to celebrate and support these local entrepreneurs while connecting them with the wider business community.”
For further information and to book see: https://tinyurl.com/fooddrinktourismmonth
Image: Yas Rios McCrone, head chef at Brine & Smoke
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
Scottish secondary schools can fundraise to feed hungry children
Secondary schools across Scotland can fundraise to feed an entire school of hungry children by signing up for a charity's life-changing Feed A School initiative.
READ MORE
Stirling Highland Games Announces Jackie Pirie as Chieftain for 2026
Stirling Highland Games is proud to announce that Jackie Pirie, the Stirling born television actress, acclaimed author and arts advocate, will serve as Chieftain of the Stirling Highland Games 2026.
READ MORE
FREE Event: Discover super powered plants at Dobbies Little Seedlings Club
Dobbies' free-to-attend children's gardening workshop is here for the month of May, giving children the chance to discover the 'Power of Plants'.
READ MORE
Snap up free tickets to The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Glasgow or Edinburgh
The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, Scotland's only dedicated consumer exhibition for self-builders, home renovators and improvers, is back and we have free tickets up for grabs!
READ MORE
Voters across Stirling and Clackmannanshire urged to register to vote
Voters in the Stirling Constituency and the Clackmannanshire and Dunblane Constituency for the Scottish Parliament election on 7th May must make sure they are registered in time.
READ MORE
Harviestoun Brewery pop up returns with beer, bites & mischief on tap
Award-winning Scottish brewer Harviestoun, at the foot of the Ochils, is throwing open its brewery doors for a lively pop-up taproom event on Friday 24th April.
READ MORE
Stirling Council to operate year round Trossachs Explorer bus service
Stirling Council has agreed to take over the operation of the Trossachs Explorer bus service on a two-year pilot, starting this summer.
READ MORE
Spring clean shoes to protect heritage, urges National Trust for Scotland
With warmer days on the way, visitors to gardens at National Trust for Scotland places are being asked to follow biosecurity measures throughout the spring and summer seasons.
READ MORE
Fan favourites return to Vue venues in Scotland this spring
Vue is bringing a roster of much-loved film favourites back to the big screen this spring as part of a special anniversary season celebrating some of Hollywood’s most iconic titles.
READ MORE
New clean up event to take place across Stirling at end of May
Stirling Council is encouraging communities across Stirling to join in a special clean-up event on 30th and 31st May to enhance the quality of local environments and increase community pride.
READ MORE
Aldi calls on shoppers across Scotland to donate pet food in stores this National Pet Month
Aldi is encouraging shoppers in Scotland to donate pet food at its in-store community donation points this April to mark National Pet Month.
READ MORE
Forth Valley celebrates successful Food, Drink and Tourism Month 2026
Forth Valley's food, drink and tourism sector has been firmly in the spotlight following a highly successful Food, Drink and Tourism Business Month.
READ MORE
Taste the movie in 4DX with new Super Mario themed popcorn upgrade at Cineworld
Cineworld is inviting audiences to power up their cinema visit like never before, with the launch of a limited-edition Galactic popcorn topper created to complement the full sensory immersion of 4DX.
READ MORE
Sound Bites Festival brings boost for Alloa town centre and local producers
Alloa town centre enjoyed a surge of visitors as Sound Bites Festival returned on 28th March, delivering a day of live music, street food and family entertainment with a country and western twist.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Springfest is back
Get ready for a brilliant weekend at the free Loch Lomond Springfest on 4th and 5th April, featuring world-class chefs, wild foraging, tasty street food and non-stop family fun for all ages!
READ MORE
Top family days and dining deals to enjoy in Scotland this Easter
Families looking to make the most of the Easter holidays in Scotland will find plenty to enjoy over the break!
READ MORE
Spring starts with Dobbies Spring Shopping Evening
Celebrate the colours of spring at Dobbies Spring Shopping Evening, a free-to-attend evening event dedicated to outdoor living and seasonal inspiration, taking place on Thursday 2nd April!
READ MORE
New series of drama workshops launches in Stirling to give refugees a voice through storytelling
A new drama and storytelling project bringing together Ukrainian, Afghan, Sudanese, Syrian and other refugees and local communities is set to launch in Stirling.
READ MORE
Last chance to enter for lunch with George Clooney
Entries are closing soon for the chance to have lunch with Hollywood icon George Clooney as part of itison's fundraising campaign for Social Bite.
READ MORE
Doors set to reopen across the country to some of the most iconic historic sites in Scotland
More than 40 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Wednesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) marks the start of its spring/summer season.
READ MORE
One of the best loved food brands in the country is bringing back its popular Golden Easter Hunt
Launching just in time for the school holidays, this year it's set to be bigger, bolder and even more exciting - and it's free for anyone to enter!
READ MORE
Spectacular stage productions to enjoy at Vue this spring
To celebrate World Theatre Day (27 March), Vue is highlighting upcoming theatre and opera productions showing on the big screen.
READ MORE
Theatre group performing Come From Away discovers real life links to September 11
Family link to 9/11 story behind Stirling's Come From Away production.
READ MORE
Trio of major funders back emergency heritage rescue at historic Bannockburn House
Good news really does come in threes for the community campaign dedicated to saving one of Scotland's most historic homes.
READ MORE
Young people lead boost for community projects across Forth Valley and Lomond
A new pump track, music workshops and a community food initiative that has helped deliver more than 3,000 meals were among youth-led projects celebrated at Callander Youth Project.
READ MORE
Green light for Stirling city trail that will transform visitor experience
Exciting plans to create a new interpretation and wayfinding trail that will transform the visitor experience in Stirling have been approved.
READ MORE
Come and experience the Ideal Home Show Scotland this Spring
Scotland's biggest home event is back at Glasgow SEC from 22nd - 25th May 2026 and we're delighted to offer free tickets to our readers!
READ MORE
Summer events taking place at historic sites across Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland has announced its summer events programme, with events taking place at iconic heritage sites across the country!
READ MORE
Stirling Council announces pilot of two new rural bus services
Stirling Council is launching a two-year pilot of two new bus services to improve connections between rural communities in the western part of the council area.
READ MORE
Hop into Easter at Dobbies with Gabbys Dollhouse Little Seedlings Club
Dobbies is teaming up with Gabby's Dollhouse to bring an extra special spring themed experience to families at its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club on 4th April, packed with fun and creativity.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links