Serco NorthLink to look at introducing more island-sourced products on ferries
Sixteen Shetland businesses showcased their products to the Serco NorthLink operations team in Lerwick last Thursday.
The “Meet the Supplier” event, held in partnership with Shetland Islands Council’s economic development department, is part of NorthLink’s drive to increase the amount of island-sourced products on board the ships.
While there has been praise for the company’s use of isles crafts and foodstuffs, there has also been concern at some being left out, with Shetland lamb in particular being removed from the menus.
Serco NorthLink Managing director Stuart Garrett said: “The meet the supplier event was a great success and analysis is now on-going from all the produce and services presented on the day. When this process is complete and where commercially viable, it is anticipated to introduce selected lines into the restaurant, bar and shop ranges.
“Our restaurant and bar menus already feature locally sourced produce, the gift shop focuses on a variety of Shetland jewellery, soap and confectionary lines and our bars offer a range of high quality locally brewed beers.
“I can confirm that we plan to hold similar events in Shetland on a regular basis.”
Jordan Ogg
Was Serco Northlink really unaware that Shetland produce of all kinds is available to buy until this ‘showcase’?
If, indeed, it was aware that food is produced in Shetland, then why weren’t efforts made to determine the commercial viability of such produce before taking over the service?
How many orders have Serco placed for Shetland produce as a result of the ‘showcase’?
Leona Gear
Meet? Meat. Shetland lamb is meat although you could meet the lambs.
David Spence
I think Serco’s stance is if it’s, as they put it, ‘ Commercially viable ‘ otherwise they are not interested.
One would think Serco’s idea of what is ‘ Commercially viable ‘, based on how Serco have performed so far, if local suppliers do not offer Serco a low enough price or Serco providing sppliers with the lowest based commission, but charging the customer the maximum without the local providers benefiting much from the sale is the perfect solution where Serco are the largest and most profitable benefactor.