A new study has revealed that award-winning food and drink festival Taste of Grampian is boosting the north-east economy by more than £2million every year.
The study was commissioned by organisers of the event to find out the direct economic benefit for food and drink companies if they choose to attend.
A survey of past exhibitors revealed the companies had experienced substantial increases in business to consumer sales worth an estimated £203,804 as a direct result of trading at Taste of Grampian.
The study also estimated that the multiplier effect of these sales meant the actual financial impact was likely to be £336,277.
The survey also found that companies who exhibited at the event had generated future sales, many of which were to other food and drink companies, of more than £1,615,401.
The study said: “In total the direct economic benefits are estimated to be £1,951,678.
“This figure excludes the money invested by firms in attending the event, £4,964, and the cost of hosting the event, £110,000, all of which supported local businesses.
“This suggests the final economic impact of Taste of Grampian 2015 was £2,066,624.”
Event chairman, John Gregor, an executive director at ANM Group which helps organise and hosts the festival, said the findings showed the enormous benefits of staging Taste of Grampian.
Mr Gregor said: “The event is a fantastic opportunity for the exhibitors to showcase and sell their products.
“We know from these impressive figures that the economic impact on the region is substantial.
“We’ve had feedback from food and drink companies exhibiting at Taste of Grampian that the event generates a lot of sales during and after the event and these figures back that up.
“We have a great line-up of celebrity chefs and activities to make this year’s event even bigger and better, and we are always trying to keep it fresh and exciting for visitors.”