Ethically and Responsibly Sourced: The Best Food and Drink Companies in Edinburgh

At The Edinburgh Collection, we are proud to support and promote businesses that prioritize sustainability, ethical practices, and responsible sourcing in every aspect of their operations. Edinburgh is home to a growing number of food and drink companies that are committed to reducing their environmental footprint, supporting local farmers, and using sustainable practices in the production and distribution of their products.

If you’re passionate about making responsible choices while exploring Edinburgh’s vibrant food scene, here’s a guide to some of the city’s best ethically and responsibly sourced food and drink companies that you can discover during your stay.

1. Edinburgh Gin – Crafted with Care

Edinburgh Gin has made a name for itself with its premium small-batch gins, using ethically sourced botanicals and sustainable ingredients. Their commitment to both quality and sustainability is evident in their production process, which includes the use of renewable energy and eco-friendly packaging. Edinburgh Gin works closely with local farmers to source the finest botanicals and ensures that every step of their distilling process is as eco-conscious as possible.

• What’s Ethical About It: Locally sourced botanicals, eco-friendly production processes, and a focus on sustainable packaging.
• Where to Find: Visit their distillery for a tour and tasting, or find their products at local retailers and online.

2. The Real Food Cafe – Organic and Local Ingredients

The Real Food Cafe is a sustainable, family-run café that prides itself on serving food made with organic, ethically sourced, and locally produced ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or something sweet, The Real Food Cafe offers a menu that supports ethical farming and sustainable practices. They also prioritize seasonal produce, ensuring that you’re enjoying food that’s not only delicious but also in harmony with the environment.

• What’s Ethical About It: All food is prepared using locally sourced, organic ingredients, and they actively reduce waste by composting and recycling.
• Where to Find: Located in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, this café is a great spot for a sustainable and enjoyable meal.

3. HENDERSONS – Scotland’s Original Vegetarian Restaurant

HENDERSONS has been a cornerstone of Edinburgh’s vegetarian and plant-based food scene for decades. The family-run restaurant and deli focus on ethical sourcing and sustainable farming. By offering a predominantly plant-based menu, they reduce the environmental impact of meat production and work closely with local organic farmers to source their produce. In addition, they ensure that all packaging is as eco-friendly as possible, using recyclable and compostable materials.

• What’s Ethical About It: Plant-based menu, organic and local sourcing, commitment to reducing food waste.
• Where to Find: You can enjoy their meals at their restaurant on the bustling Hanover Street, or shop their range of products at their deli.

4. The Scottish Vegan Kitchen – Ethical, Local, and Plant-Based

The Scottish Vegan Kitchen is an independent, plant-based food company dedicated to creating delicious vegan meals that are kind to the planet. They use only locally sourced, organic ingredients, and prioritize environmentally friendly production methods. Their menu is 100% plant-based, and they work hard to support ethical farming practices and minimize food waste. Their commitment to sustainability is also reflected in their packaging, which is fully compostable and recyclable.

• What’s Ethical About It: 100% plant-based menu, local and organic sourcing, zero-waste practices, and eco-friendly packaging.
• Where to Find: The Scottish Vegan Kitchen operates from a variety of pop-up locations and events across Edinburgh. Keep an eye on their website for upcoming appearances or order directly from them online.

5. Edinburgh Preserves – Locally Made, Sustainably Packed

Edinburgh Preserves is a small family-owned business that creates artisan jams, chutneys, and marmalades using locally grown fruits and vegetables. Their products are made in small batches, with a focus on sustainability and ethical practices. They use organic ingredients whenever possible, and their packaging is designed to be environmentally friendly, with glass jars and recyclable labels.

• What’s Ethical About It: Locally sourced ingredients, small-batch production, and recyclable packaging.
• Where to Find: Available at local farmers’ markets and shops, or you can buy directly from their online store.

6. The Bearded Baker – Sourcing Locally and Responsibly

The Bearded Baker is known for his artisanal breads and pastries, made with flour sourced from local mills that prioritize sustainable farming practices. His bakery focuses on using organic ingredients and ensuring that every product is made with care, from the dough to the packaging. By supporting local suppliers, The Bearded Baker reduces the carbon footprint of its ingredients and fosters a community of ethical farming and production.

• What’s Ethical About It: Local and organic sourcing, sustainable farming practices, and commitment to reducing waste.
• Where to Find: You can find The Bearded Baker’s goods at various local markets, or visit his bakery in the heart of Edinburgh for a freshly baked treat.

7. Green City – Sustainable Catering & Ethical Food Supply

Green City is a leading supplier of organic and ethically sourced produce in Edinburgh. They focus on providing local restaurants, cafés, and shops with sustainably grown fruits, vegetables, and other food items. Green City has built strong relationships with ethical farms and producers across Scotland, ensuring that their produce meets the highest standards of sustainability. They also prioritize reducing food waste and minimizing the environmental impact of their supply chain.

• What’s Ethical About It: Organic produce, ethical supply chains, and a focus on reducing food waste.
• Where to Find: Green City supplies a range of restaurants and cafés across Edinburgh. Visit their website for a full list of stockists.

8. The Gannet – Local and Sustainable Fine Dining

The Gannet is an Edinburgh-based fine dining restaurant that prioritizes sustainability and ethical sourcing in all aspects of its operations. Their menu changes seasonally to reflect the freshest, locally sourced produce available, and they work with trusted suppliers who share their commitment to sustainability. The Gannet also strives to reduce its environmental impact by minimizing food waste and using eco-friendly packaging and cleaning products.

• What’s Ethical About It: Locally sourced, sustainable ingredients, seasonal menu, and waste reduction practices.
• Where to Find: The Gannet is located in the West End of Edinburgh and offers a refined dining experience that champions Scottish produce.

9. Seedlings – Eco-Conscious Coffee and Sustainable Snacks

Seedlings is a popular Edinburgh-based coffee shop that sources its beans from ethical, fair-trade suppliers. In addition to serving sustainably sourced coffee, Seedlings also offers a range of snacks made from locally sourced ingredients. Their focus on sustainability extends to their operations, with a commitment to using biodegradable cups and packaging, as well as reducing food waste.

• What’s Ethical About It: Fair-trade coffee, locally sourced snacks, biodegradable cups and packaging.
• Where to Find: Seedlings has several locations in Edinburgh, where you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while supporting ethical practices.

Join Us in Supporting Ethical and Responsible Food Choices

At The Edinburgh Collection, we believe in the importance of supporting businesses that make ethical and sustainable choices. When you choose to dine with or purchase from these local producers, you’re helping to promote responsible sourcing and reduce your environmental impact, all while enjoying the very best that Edinburgh has to offer.

Next time you’re in Edinburgh, be sure to visit some of these fantastic independent businesses and taste the difference that ethical sourcing makes. Not only will you be savouring delicious food and drink, but you’ll also be making a positive contribution to the local community and the environment.