A new café with quality coffee, local food and a great story
Last year CMAL (the company who own all the ports & ferry’s which Calmac rent from to operate) had the vision that creating a café within the Oban Ferry Terminal would enhance the facilities for locals and tourists alike. A year on and the old waiting room area used for Hebridean Princess travellers has been refitted by CMAL to provide a kitchen and café/takeaway.
They were keen for the venture to be run by a social enterprise and Food from Argyll have accepted the challenge.
So, who are Food from Argyll?
We are a co-operative, which means any profits made go back to the group to invest in other projects to further its goals. The co-operative members are all food and drink producers living and working in Argyll, producing or processing Argyll produce.
Our two main objectives are;
To create viable routes to market for its members to assist their financial growth and business development
To raise the profile of the amazing produce available in Argyll and promote this beautiful place as a quality food destination.
How it all began
Food from Argyll was originally brought together to provide quality local food at the Connect Festival at Inveraray castle in 2007. The festival had a real desire to use local foods and the Argyll & Bute Agricultural forum had just appointed a development officer to explore different diversification possibilities for Argyll farmers. A number of local producers who were already involved in direct selling were approached.
Altogether 6 niave producers stepped into a large marquee with no idea what was in front of them. The marquee was huge and everyone felt very small and out of our depth. But we pulled it off, the marquee was packed throughout both festivals in 2007 and 2008 and there was a real buzz about the food that was being served at Connect.
We left that first festival knackered (nothing can prepare you for the graft involved in festival catering), in need of a bath but with a real sense of achievement and an anticipation of the potential for doing more. Would we do it again? Too right, we were all slightly hooked.
And not only that, the festival organisers were impressed and we were asked to do more. Since then we annually attend music festivals, sporting events the length and breadth of the country and have ensured that there is more local food representation at events within Argyll.
Full listing of events for 2016; www.foodfromargyll/events
Creating a recognised regional brand
In 2008 the Food from Argyll brand was created.
We attend events under one banner but within that we each have our own space and identity, showcasing the variety of quality food in Argyll.
The set-up is like a farmers market but serving hot ready-to-eat food. This street food style, with our kitchens exposed behind the stalls means customers can see how honest we are about what we are serving.
We have created a recognisable brand and have been out and about for 9 years flying the flag for Argyll as a quality food destination.
We now have over 20 members. Not all of these attend outdoor events but want to be part of Food from Argyll for the use of the branding, shared PR and sales promotion, access to collaborative and shared resources and the ability to be part of future opportunities.
Food from Argyll at the Pier….
This is our first and very exciting bricks and mortar venture. A sit-in and takeaway café located at the busiest area in Oban.
The café will be run by local staff employed by Food from Argyll. The menu will feature as much Argyll produce as it is possible to use. The food will be freshly prepared on site and the menu will be constantly changing as the seasonal produce changes.
Food from Argyll members will be the suppliers to the café, creating a new income for them. The café will also promote their businesses and all the places around Argyll that stock and uses their produce.
Oh, and there will be great coffee.
Last year CMAL (the company who own all the ports & ferry’s which Calmac rent from to operate) had the vision that creating a café within the Oban Ferry Terminal would enhance the facilities for locals and tourists alike. A year on and the old waiting room area used for Hebridean Princess travellers has been refitted by CMAL to provide a kitchen and café/takeaway.
They were keen for the venture to be run by a social enterprise and Food from Argyll have accepted the challenge.
So, who are Food from Argyll?
We are a co-operative, which means any profits made go back to the group to invest in other projects to further its goals. The co-operative members are all food and drink producers living and working in Argyll, producing or processing Argyll produce.
Our two main objectives are;
To create viable routes to market for its members to assist their financial growth and business development
To raise the profile of the amazing produce available in Argyll and promote this beautiful place as a quality food destination.
How it all began
Food from Argyll was originally brought together to provide quality local food at the Connect Festival at Inveraray castle in 2007. The festival had a real desire to use local foods and the Argyll & Bute Agricultural forum had just appointed a development officer to explore different diversification possibilities for Argyll farmers. A number of local producers who were already involved in direct selling were approached.
Altogether 6 niave producers stepped into a large marquee with no idea what was in front of them. The marquee was huge and everyone felt very small and out of our depth. But we pulled it off, the marquee was packed throughout both festivals in 2007 and 2008 and there was a real buzz about the food that was being served at Connect.
We left that first festival knackered (nothing can prepare you for the graft involved in festival catering), in need of a bath but with a real sense of achievement and an anticipation of the potential for doing more. Would we do it again? Too right, we were all slightly hooked.
And not only that, the festival organisers were impressed and we were asked to do more. Since then we annually attend music festivals, sporting events the length and breadth of the country and have ensured that there is more local food representation at events within Argyll.
Full listing of events for 2016; www.foodfromargyll/events
Creating a recognised regional brand
In 2008 the Food from Argyll brand was created.
We attend events under one banner but within that we each have our own space and identity, showcasing the variety of quality food in Argyll.
The set-up is like a farmers market but serving hot ready-to-eat food. This street food style, with our kitchens exposed behind the stalls means customers can see how honest we are about what we are serving.
We have created a recognisable brand and have been out and about for 9 years flying the flag for Argyll as a quality food destination.
We now have over 20 members. Not all of these attend outdoor events but want to be part of Food from Argyll for the use of the branding, shared PR and sales promotion, access to collaborative and shared resources and the ability to be part of future opportunities.
Food from Argyll at the Pier….
This is our first and very exciting bricks and mortar venture. A sit-in and takeaway café located at the busiest area in Oban.
The café will be run by local staff employed by Food from Argyll. The menu will feature as much Argyll produce as it is possible to use. The food will be freshly prepared on site and the menu will be constantly changing as the seasonal produce changes.
Food from Argyll members will be the suppliers to the café, creating a new income for them. The café will also promote their businesses and all the places around Argyll that stock and uses their produce.
Oh, and there will be great coffee.
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