Food and drink workshop for businesses to make the most of 2014 legacy

30th June 2013

Food and drink businesses in the Highlands and Islands are invited to attend a free workshop focusing on the development of new innovative products and packaging.

The day-long event, Food and Drink Innovation Workshop - 2014 The Legacy Challenge, will be held at Cowan House in Inverness on Wednesday July 10 and will be hosted by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in partnership with the 2014 Food and Drink Team. It aims to support those businesses involved in food and drink to use this unique year to drive additional sales and engage new customers at home and abroad.

2014 will be an exceptional year for Scotland when it hosts the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Ryder Cup at Gleneagles and the second edition of Homecoming – a year long celebration of the country’s food and drink, culture, heritage and natural resources.

Businesses involved in food and drink are hoping to use this unique year to drive additional sales and engage new customers at home and abroad and this workshop aims to help them to do that.

The workshop will focus on four key areas in order to develop new products or packaging. They are: ‘Customer Readiness’ where businesses will gain a better understanding of customers’ trends and opportunities; ‘Design Readiness’ will use tools to create and develop ideas for new products and packaging; ‘Business Readiness’ will help people to plan their business case to convert ideas into customer value and market opportunity to reach visitors during 2014; ‘Promotion Readiness’ will look at marketing via social media as a means to capitalise on event based opportunities.

Chris Taylor, Head of Tourism, Food and Drink at HIE said: “This presents a fantastic opportunity for Scotland to show its superb larder to the world and for food and drink businesses to take advantage of the business opportunities the year will bring.

“We would like to hear from anyone interested in attending this workshop. The aim of it is to leave with an individual action plan of practical steps needed to achieve and commercialise their new development idea. Our experienced innovation specialists will be on hand at the workshop to help them achieve maximum success.”

For further information visit the events page at www.hie.co.uk/about-hie/events/ or to book, email crystal.mackay[AT]hient.co.uk

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

31/10/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness at the Sharp End: Broadband, Buses and Public Services Under Pressure

From the loss of a direct bus link to Inverness to uncertainty over rural broadband, a difficult council budget and the future of community organisations, the past week has provided plenty for Caithness residents to think about.  But there have also been celebrations, local achievements and signs of community spirit.  

31/10/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

The North Sea's Changing Future: What Does It Mean for Jobs and Investment in Caithness?

The future of the North Sea energy industry is once again attracting considerable attention.  With the UK Government facing difficult decisions about oil and gas production, energy security, investment and the transition towards renewable energy.  

23/10/2026 : Marine Services

HIE funding supports new strategy role at Wick Harbour

Wick Harbour Authority (WHA) is to appoint a new strategy manager after securing up to £52,500 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to help fund the post.   The post holder will help WHA deliver its emerging harbour masterplan and outline business case, strengthen capacity and develop new business opportunities.  

20/10/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
HIE welcomes £350m cable factory opening

The official opening of the UK’s first HVDC subsea cable factory, located at the Port of Nigg in Easter Ross, has been welcomed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).   The facility represents an investment of £350m.  

17/10/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

When Community Ownership Isn't Enough: The Uncertain Future of GlenWyvis Distillery

The Highland distillery was built with the support of thousands of people who wanted to create something lasting for their community.  Its entry into administration exposes the financial risks facing ambitious local ventures, even when the original idea has widespread public support.  

8/10/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Innovation and AI: New opportunities for businesses across the Highlands and Islands

Innovation has always been a defining characteristic of businesses and social enterprises in the Highlands and Islands.   Whether developing new products, finding ways to overcome the challenges of distance and geography, improving services, or identifying new markets, organisations across the region have a long track record of adapting and evolving.  

30/9/2026 : Local Authority

Scottish Cities Alliance Investment Conference to showcase Highland opportunities

Inverness will welcome government representatives, investors, business leaders and economic development partners later this week as it hosts the Scottish Cities Alliance Autumn Investor Event.  A two-day programme designed to showcase investment opportunities across Inverness, the Highlands and Scotland's city regions.  

29/9/2026 : Local Authority

Are We Trying to Save Britain’s Towns Without Planning Their Future?

Walk through almost any British town centre and you can see the evidence of change.   There are empty shops where there were once businesses.  

26/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

September is Scottish Start-Up Month – could your business idea become a reality?

September has become a month when Scotland's aspiring entrepreneurs are being encouraged to take a closer look at an idea that may have been sitting in the back of their minds for some time.   Scottish Start-Up Month, led by Business Gateway, has returned for 2026 with a simple message: if you have an idea for a business, this could be the month to take the first step.  

22/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Scotland and Ireland Strengthen Economic Links Between Gaelic Communities

Scotland and Ireland Strengthen Economic Links Between Gaelic Communities Scotland and Ireland are developing closer links between their Gaelic-speaking communities, with housing, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, tourism and the marine economy among the areas being explored for future cooperation.   The initiative was highlighted during a visit to Skye by Ireland's President Catherine Connolly, who met representatives of Highland organisations including Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Highland Council.