Farm shops, cafes, and specialist food retailers are all heading to Scotland’s only fine food and drink trade Show on January 21-23, 2024. Taking place at the SEC, Glasgow, the Speciality Food and Drink Show promises to showcase the finest offerings from Scotland’s diverse culinary landscape amidst a mood of optimism in the industry.
With over 95% of the Show booked, this is the principal fine food and drink buying arena for delis, farm shops, convenience stores, supermarkets, and tourist outlets across Scotland. The strong reputation Scottish produce commands have helped fuel the interest in the Show. For the first time, Scotland Food and Drink has become a Show partner and will host a large stand, as well as be involved in some of the special events.
Regional highlights
Scotland’s rich tapestry of produce is reflected by the regional stands at the Show. Orkney will return with its large cluster of local producers, such as Island Smokery, Argo’s Bakery, Jolly’s of Orkney, and Orkney Distilling. Further south the Food from Argyll stand hosts Island Bakery, Isle of Mull Cheese, and Tiree Tea, while East Lothian Food & Drink will showcase products from companies such as Belhaven Smokehouse, Buck & Birch, Dodger Preserves, The Chocolate Tree and Frasier Liqueur.
New exhibitors to look out for include Rora Dairy, The Third Sin, Infin8, Buck & Birch, Arrochar Alps Gin, Brose Oats, Highland Moon, Isle of Mull Coffee, Select Drams, Tchai-Ovna Fine Teas, Football Special drinks and The Inventor’s Gin Company.
These will complement show favourites such as Edinburgh Honey, Galloway Lodge Preserves, Great Glen Charcuterie, Dark Sky Spirits, Island Bakery, Island Smokery, Slainte Sauces, Farrah’s, Taza Bake, Wark Farm Pies, Persie Distillery and Summer House Drinks.
Various distributors such as The Cress Company, Holley’s Fine Foods, and Clarks Foods will all showcase a wide variety of products for the buyers.
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 provides a platform for emerging companies to establish themselves in the market.
Catriona Farquharson from Finzean Farm Shop in Aberdeenshire said: “I find it really useful to catch up with various suppliers and it’s much easier to see and taste new products at a show rather than online or in a catalogue. There is a good emphasis on seeing the products and then the possibility of downloading or scanning QR codes rather than coming away with too many weighty catalogues. It’s also useful to be encouraged and to be able to place orders at the show!”
Business skills unravelled
To help develop your retail business the Talking Shop features a busy schedule of talks, panel discussions, and masterclasses. Topics to be covered will include digital strategies, including harnessing AI and Instagram reels in a series of masterclasses; Scottish Tourism Alliance Spotlight Sessions on how to maximise the tourist trade with a raft of high level speakers; sustainability panel discussion focusing on what retailers and shops can do to become more sustainable; leveraging trends to grow your business in food and drink; skills for trading in tough times; and pop up shops. Nessie’s Den returns to entertain emerging suppliers showcasing their products to respected retailers.
The Best Product Awards from the Show will also be judged by Linda Mclean of Kintyre Larder, Catherine Cameron, Cobbs Food Group buyer, and Jonathan Macdonald, chef and owner, of Ka Pao and Ox and Finch restaurants and the winners will be displayed in the heart of the Show.
The Speciality Food and Drink Show has undergone a name change and brand refresh, reflecting a more contemporary feel with witty undertones that highlight the importance of fine drinks for the Scottish market. The new logos and artwork represent the Show’s Scottish heritage.
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 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 worldwide.
Registration can be done here: https://www.scotlandstradefairs.com/
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