Ayrshire and the islands in the Firth of Clyde are quite rightly renowned for the quality of their food and produce and over the past decade their has been a massive interest in buying closer to production and a welcomed growth in the use of locally sourced produce in hotels, restaurants and cafes through the area. Most hospitality producers will proclaim proudly that their menu benefits from fresh local produce.

This section has been created to help you connect with the producers, retailers and operators who are flying the flag for Ayrshire food and drink. The experienced and passionate producers behind these products and services have a personal story to tell, and knowledge to share, and it really is a fascinating listen.

Ayrshire's raw materials are exception and that covers everything from it's world famous beef, lamb, bacon, pork and, in season, its regional game. Add freshly landed fish and shellfish; exceptional vegetables and, of course, the famous Ayrshire Tatties!

Local Ayrshire dairy has always been of the finest quality from the finest farms and the result is award winning cheeses and award winning free range eggs and the finest ingredients for farmhouse ice creams and handmade chocolates.  

Add to that menu a wide range of smoked delicacies, creative vegetarian produce, contemporary street food, exceptional bakery, surprising preserves or distinctive hand roasted coffees,craft beers and local whiskies and you know that you are in an area that has fully adopted the concept of quality local produce with a resulting, and indeed authentic, artisan food and drink destination. 

Ayrshire chefs then take these ingredients to offer as wide a selection of fine dining hotels and restaurants, independent food-serving pubs and cafes as you will find anywhere. From quick coffee breaks to full on gourmet experiences you will be surprised and gratified by the difference Ayrshire's local produce makes.

And then, of course, you will want to take it home to your own kitchen and tables too! From local delicatessens to chain supermarkets you will find Ayrshire's larder in more places than ever. Farmers' Markets still thrive and will undoubtedly come back stronger than ever before too - the Farmers' Market page is linked below to keep you up to date with the whens and wheres and of course the online experience has grown out of necessity. There is not much, if anything, grown and produced in Ayrshire that cannot be secured online and Ayrshire Connect will help link sellers with buyers throughout the year.

If you are a food business please click here to Connect.