The Stirling & Forth Valley Gluten Free Fortnight campaign has been shortlisted for the Best Marketing Campaign award at the 2023 Cateys Awards, a prestigious ceremony that recognises excellence in the hospitality industry.

Our campaign aims to promote safe, delicious gluten-free food across the region and the recognition goes to our campaign organisers, The Real Food Cafe and Forth Valley Food and Drink C.I.C..

Sarah Heward, owner of The Real Food Cafe and a founder of the campaign, expressed her delight at the nomination: “Our team is very chuffed and proud of this because we take our commitment to gluten-free foodservice very seriously.”

Carolyn McGill from Forth Valley Food & Drink also expressed her excitement about the nomination and highlighted the importance of partnership working in hospitality.

The Gluten Free Fortnight campaign was first launched in 2019 by The Real Food Cafe and last year the Cafe joined forces with the regional drink & food group, Forth Valley Food & Drink to expand it across the region. In 2022 the region wide Gluten Free Fortnight was held for the the first year and included several hospitality outlets across the region, including, The Broch Cafe, Fintry Inn and The Brig o’Turk Tearoom.

Fiona Richmond, Scotland Food & Drink Head of Regional Food, also praised the campaign and congratulated the organisers on their nomination on Twitter: “Fab collaboration between a #scotfoodambassador & regional food group.

The Stirling & Forth Valley Gluten Free Fortnight campaign is set to return in 2023, taking place from 14-29 October. We are actively seeking participating hospitality venues (restaurants, pubs, bars, cafes, delis, chippies, accommodation providers) based in Forth Valley who are dedicated to serving delicious, safe gluten-free food. If you’re interested in taking part, simply email hello@forthvalleyfoodanddrink.org to sign up.

Gluten Free Fortnight campaign is a great example of how partnership working and dedication to a cause can achieve great things in the hospitality industry. The nomination for the Catey Awards is a fantastic recognition for the hard work and commitment of all involved, and we look forward to seeing the campaign go from strength to strength in the coming years.