Promoting local: Developing sustainable local food and drink supply networks within destination development

The augmentation of the local food and drink agenda is part of a wider movement by destinations to establish better connections between those involved in food and drink production, local communities and tourists. Recent food scares within the United Kingdom (UK) and discussions about contemporary agricultural and food processing methods have generated a growing interest in food and drink traceability, as local communities and tourists seek to understand and appreciate the origin of their food and drink (Groves, 2001; Kneafsey, 2007). Furthermore, tourist demands for authenticity are often a result of their desire for something distinctive. For tourist experiences which include local culture and tradition, food and drink are essential components because of their ability to emphasise local and regional distinctiveness and provide a flavour of regional socio-cultural and economic heritage.