HIE approves further £863k for Inverness Castle project
The additional funding brings HIE’s total investment in the project to £2.863m.
An Argyll firm will be sending delegates to Central America next month (March).
Argyll Coffee Roasters (ACR) Limited has secured a £5,200 grant from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for a research and development learning journey.
The funding will enable company representatives to attend the Producer Roaster Forum (PRF) in Honduras, which is attended by industry coffee supply chain companies from around the world.
This is a three-day sourcing trip where coffee roasters and green buyers stay in coffee farms and forge close business relationships with their host producers.
The main PRF event is a two-day conference with panels, workshops, exhibitions, and networking opportunities. It’s a platform where delegates involved in the coffee supply chain can come together to address the challenges facing the industry.
ACR is looking to develop new contacts and establish direct links with growers. This will help the company’s growth and secure associated local economic benefits in rural Argyll.
Liam Orr, HIE’s head of business growth for Argyll and the Islands, said:
“We’re delighted to be supporting Argyll Coffee Roasters with this learning journey. Attending the Producer Roaster Forum will help the company to expand its networks, find new suppliers and target new markets. This in turn will lead to business growth here in Argyll.”
Argyll Coffee Roasters was established in 2018 by Eve MacFarlane and now has a team of four. The company sources beans from around the world and roasts them by hand at premises in Kames near Tighnabruaich.
The UK coffee market was valued at £2.1bn in 2021. There’s been a notable shift towards ethically sourced coffee beans in recent years, reflecting a broader trend of sustainable and ethical consumerism. This is something that’s very much in keeping with the ethos of Argyll Coffee Roasters.
Eve MacFarlane, founder of Argyll Coffee Roasters, said:
“This is an incredible opportunity for us to forge direct relationships with producers and open up the possibility to trade directly. It will give us a huge insight into a key part of our supply chain, being able to see the farms, meet the owners and producers and find out in-depth about processes. We are really excited about the possibility of trading directly, and the increased transparency and accountability this brings. We can't wait to get there!”
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