Initially formed to cater for a music festival in 2007, Argyll Food Producers is now one of the country’s most recognised brands, serving up the best the west has to offer.

1. Argyll Food Producers
Initially formed to cater for a music festival in 2007, Argyll Food
Producers is now one of the country’s most recognised brands, serving
up the best the west has to offer. From shellfish and meat to chocolate,
wine and beer, every taste is catered for – with produce from a range
of small scale outlets to high-volume farmers all making up the
consortium’s rich menu.

2. Co-operative Development Scotland is the arm of Scottish
Enterprise working in partnership with Highlands and
Islands Enterprise that supports company growth through
collaborative and employee ownership business models.
For more information or advice, email info@cdscotland.co.uk
or call us on 0141 951 3055. Follow us on Twitter @cdscotland
Co-operative
Development Scotland
27 Causeyside Street
Paisley PA1 1UL
www.cdscotland.co.uk
Scottish Enterprise
Atrium Court
50 Waterloo Street
Glasgow G2 6HQ
www.scottish-enterprise.com
Virginia Sumsion, Argyll Food Producers.
SE/4240/Mar15
www.foodfromargyll.com
MAIN BUSINESS
Ready-to-eat
food for events
NUMBER OF
MEMBERS
20
“Members have profited in a variety of ways, but all have benefited
from the resources sourced by the group.”
The group’s first joint tendering exercise led to
them winning the significant contract to supply
catering at the BBC’s Commonwealth Games
festival site. Now with further joint tendering
opportunities in the pipeline, Argyll Food Producers
are at the forefront of developments in catering,
focused on bringing more quality, locally-sourced
produce to events. And because individual
members trade under the ‘Food from Argyll’ brand
on their labels and signage – everyone reaps the
rewards as the consortium’s reputation grows.
BUSINESS BENEFITS
A significant benefit is the co-operative’s ability to
cover up-front event costs, allowing businesses
to concentrate on delivering quality produce to
maximise profits. Sharing the cost of transport
and infrastructure is also a benefit, which in turn
helps reduce risks and ensures the maximum
return on investment. Non-financial benefits have
proven essential – particularly the networking and
collaborative working opportunities available to
a co-operative. A strong bond has been formed
between members of this ‘family’ of businesses,
with support available when required and
significant growth in turnover and profitability.
COLLABORATING FOR SUCCESS
Argyll Food Producers – which operates at events
under the ‘Food from Argyll’ banner – has seen
its membership grow year-on-year. In 2014, it
was the only regional food group represented in
strength during the Commonwealth Games at
two public sites – the BBC at the Quay festival
and the Glasgow Green Live Zone. This success
has helped the business grow exponentially.
It now employs dedicated development staff
charged with taking projects forward, including
the development of a centralised facility to
showcase the group’s produce.
GETTING THERE
Co-operative Development Scotland supported a
feasibility study through the Scottish Agricultural
Organisation Society to help assess the potential
of the businesses working together. After this,
a specialist adviser helped the group draw up
governance procedures for specific areas such
as meetings, voting and election arrangements
– with a members’ agreement setting out how all
members would work together.
CONSORTIUM MEMBERS
The consortium co-operative consists of primary
and secondary food producers living and/or
operating within Argyll and Bute. The group are
all in regular contact with each other and meet
frequently to discuss current work any issues
and opportunities.
WHY WORK TOGETHER
Sharing resources allowed the members to
provide catering for various events and festivals,
while a joint presence at trade shows attracted
new business from the hospitality industry.