Sales of stands at Scotland’s only fine food and drink Show are soaring and almost back at pre pandemic levels. Taking place at the SEC, Glasgow from 21-23 Jan 2024, this Show promises to showcase the best food and drink Scotland has to offer.
With over 80% of the Show booked, this is the principal buying arena for restaurants, tourist outlets, cafes and hotels north of the border. The success of independent outlets in Scotland is in part largely to the big influx of tourists this summer, mainly from North America, India and the Far East. Coupled with the strong reputation Scottish produce commands has helped fuel the interest for the Show.
Scotland is a varied nation in terms of its produce, reflected by the regional stands at the Show. Orkney will return with its large cluster of local producers, as well as Food from Argyll and East Lothian Food & Drink.
New exhibitors to look out for are drinks producers such as Arrochar Alps Gin, Brose Oats, Holleys Fine Foods, Highland Moon, Isle of Mull Coffee, Select Drams, Tchai-Ovna Fine Teas and The Inventor’s Gin Company.
These will complement show favourites such as Clarks Speciality Foods, Edinburgh Honey, Galloway Lodge Preserves, Great Glen Charcuterie, Dark Sky Spirits, Island Bakery, Island Smokery, Slainte Sauces, Taza Bake, Wark Farm Pies, Persie Distillery and Summer House Drinks.
LOOK OUT FOR THE LAUNCH!
In the Launch Gallery for new, young companies the Show is welcoming Cruice, MYXD Cocktails, D!P Club, Kinnaird Kitchen, Three Robins Oat Milk and Pochle (Inchcolm Distilling) to mention a few. This is the area where new creativity is celebrated, brand new products will be sourced for the first time and new young companies are given a leg up to get established in the market.
Joanna Nethery from Five March restaurants said: “The products at this show perfectly showcase the diversity of this beautiful country we are fortunate enough to call home and a perfect demonstration of the vast arrays we have to enjoy in an ever expanding and exciting Scottish food scene.
“With big business being able to outspend the independents it is imperative to give local creators a platform to talk directly to buyers and the public. Scotland’s Speciality Food & Drink Show provides this through an accessible and thoroughly enjoyable day out.”
BUSINESS SKILLS UNRAVELLED
To help develop your retail business the Talking Shop has a busy timetable of talks, panel discussions and masterclasses. Topics to be covered will include digital masterclasses; AI and how to harness for retail; Scottish Tourism Alliance Spotlight Sessions on how to maximise the tourist trade; sustainability, using trends to grow your business in food and drink; and pop up shops. Nessie’s Den will return to entertain with emerging suppliers showcasing their products to respected retailers.
The Best Product Awards from the Show will also be judged by leading food and drink buyers and the winners will be displayed in the heart of the Show. The Show is run in conjunction with Scotland’s Trade Fair, where about 500 home, giftware, jewellery, textiles, stationery and craft suppliers will showcase their products to retailers around the globe.
Show Director Mark Saunders said: “It is clear that trade shows play a key part in the buying programme for food shops, hospitality and retail outlets. They want to meet the suppliers face to face, look, feel and taste the products and ensure they are sourcing the best stock for their shops. This Show offers this in a creative and welcoming environment and so attracts a wide range of suppliers. Our Show in January promises to offer innovative, delicious products and a host of added extras to interest buyers. Make sure the date is firmly in your diary!”
The Speciality Food & Drink Show has also undergone a name change and refresh of the brand. With new logos and artwork, the new branding reflects a more contemporary feel, reflecting the Scottish heritage, with some witty undertones. It also now highlights the importance of fine drinks for the Scottish market. Registration is now open https://www.scotlandstradefairs.com/