A group of producers and artists from the Isle of Bute has launched the country’s first online co-operative shop in a bid to change the fortunes of the island.
Date:
Wed, 24 Aug 2011
Source:
Brandish Bute
Brandish Bute:
Website
The website - brandishbute.com - will sell only food products and craft items made on Bute and will operate as a social enterprise with all of the profits going back to the community.
Brandish Bute reflects the diverse range of micro-businesses on the island with produce including jams, pickles, mustards and gourmet seaweed, as well as high-quality fabrics and jewellery.
Currently 12 producers are selling their wares on the site but it is hoped that the online offer will expand.
The website is part of Brandish Bute, which also operates a shop on the island and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bute Community Land Company (BCLC), a charity established by members of the community to secure Bute's economic, environmental and social future.
Bute's economy has suffered in recent years due to the decline in the traditional tourism market and the island's current unemployment rate stands at 7.7%, twice the Argyll and Bute district’s average.
The launch of the site and store are part of a multi-faceted action plan to revitalise the island’s economy, which has received funding from Highland and Islands Enterprise and Argyll and the Islands LEADER, and follows the community buyout of a local forest last year.
BCLC chairman John McGhee said: "Micro-businesses are the lifeblood of the island and we need to do everything possible to help them grow.
"Not only that, the world-class quality of our produce epitomises what the island has to offer visitors."
Food producers involved in the initiative include Plan Farm, Just Seaweed and Henshelwoods.
Brian and Janet Hill, previously publishers of equine magazines, formed Plan Farm with the aim to produce high-quality, contemporary foods in a traditional manner.
They produce a range of smoked meats, cheese and sausages with their Sleeping Warrior sausage winning the meat category in the 2011 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards.
Set up by Iain McKellar, the Just Seaweed brand exploits the trend for superfoods. Pound for pound, seaweeds are the healthiest foodstuff in the world, containing more iron than meat and more calcium than cheese.
Moreover, sea vegetables contain vitamins A1, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, K, iodine and 60 trace elements – and are almost fat-free and low in calories.
All products are available fresh or in sundried form which can be rehydrated. A firm favourite with celebrity chefs, Just Seaweed is bought by chefs and high-end delis throughout the UK.
Iain has sold to product to chefs Marcus Waring, Andrew Fairlie and Simon Rogan, and exports as far afield as the Lebanon, Dubai and US.
Henshelwoods Fine Foods, meanwhile, is an award-winning producer of jams, pickles and preserves. Specialities include Gin & Tonic Turnip, Vodka & Orange Onions and Bloody Mary Salsa for Oysters.
Looking to source food and drink in Argyll and Bute? Use Scotland Food & Drink's Buyers' Guide.