Plans are already well underway for this year’s Food, Drink and Tourism Business Month 2026, a month-long programme of events designed to support, connect and inspire businesses across the region’s vibrant food, drink and tourism sectors – and Forth Valley College are involved.
Delivered in partnership by Forth Valley Food & Drink, STEP and Scotland Food & Drink, the programme will bring together producers, hospitality businesses, buyers, educators and support organisations through a series of forums, workshops and networking events taking place throughout March.
MAKING NEW CONNECTIONS
The month will kick off with the Food, Drink and Tourism Industry Forum on Monday 2 March, hosted by STEP at Stirling Enterprise Park. The forum will offer delegates the chance to hear from industry speakers, take part in meaningful discussion and build valuable connections across the sector.
Forth Valley Food & Drink Coordinator Stacey Spence said:
“Food, Drink and Tourism Business Month is about celebrating the sector, while also giving businesses practical support to grow, collaborate and future-proof their operations.
“The 2026 programme brings together learning, inspiration and real opportunities to connect with the people who can help move businesses forward.”
STEP will once again play a central role, hosting several other events throughout the month, including the popular Meet the Producers showcase (24 March) and a series of InBusiness Networking and Market Ready and Customer Ready workshops (19 March).
Jenn McArthur, Marketing and Business Development Director for STEP, commented: “At STEP, our purpose is to support businesses to start, grow and sustain. Our reinvestment model allows us to continually put resources back into the local economy, creating accessible, practical support for businesses at every stage.
“Having proudly hosted Food, Drink and Tourism Business Month since 2017, the 2026 programme is shaping up to be our busiest yet. We’re delighted to be working collaboratively with partners such as Forth Valley Food & Drink and Forth Valley College to deliver a programme that brings the sector together, supports shared learning and helps businesses build long-term resilience and success.”
NEXT GENERATION OF TALENT
One of the foodie highlights of the month will be Chefs of the Future, taking place on Tuesday 10 March at Forth Valley College. This invitation-only event offers employers a unique opportunity to sample dishes prepared by hospitality students and meet the next generation of culinary talent.
Karyn King, Operations Manager for Forth Valley College said: “Chefs of the Future is a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their skills in a real-world setting while building meaningful connections with local employers.
“Events like this help bridge the gap between education and industry, demonstrating the high calibre of talent coming through our hospitality programmes.”
RURAL OUTREACH
The programme will also extend beyond Stirling, with rural networking and market-readiness workshops taking place at Drymen Business Hub, on Tuesday 31 March ensuring businesses across the wider region can access support and connect with peers.
BOOKING OPEN
Food, Drink and Tourism Business Month 2026 is open to businesses of all sizes, from start-ups and producers to established hospitality and tourism operators.
Early booking is encouraged, with several events already attracting strong interest.
For full event details and booking information, visit: https://tinyurl.com/fooddrinktourismmonth26
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