Scotland’s Speciality Food Show will be back in Glasgow in January, with plenty of new products, new producers, and new initiatives representing the best of the fine food trade in the north.
Buyers who come down to the city’s SEC, adjacent to the bustling Finnieston strip of pubs and restaurants, will get the chance to meet no less than 120 food and drink producers, see and taste their products – and perhaps place orders for the season ahead.
From shortbread to gin, pies to sweeties, the event, running on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of the month, will showcase some of the finest products from around Scotland and beyond, all suited for sale through farm shops, delis, tourist outlets, hotels, restaurants and local shops.
New exhibitors at the show for 2023 include The Sweetie Jar with its traditional sweets, NEST Selected Greek products, Persie Gin from Perthshire, Wark Farm Pies from Aberdeenshire and The Bottled Baking Company, Rural Foodies from Wales and Kinnaird Kitchen from Angus.
Food from the regions is always a popular feature, and it’ll be great to see both Tastes of Orkney and Food from Argyll hosting large stands brimming with innovative products.
Andrew Firth, from Herbie of Edinburgh said: “Seeing and tasting new products is essential – if you look at a catalogue you don’t get a feel for what you’re buying, but when you come to this show you can taste, handle and find out about the product in depth, which is so important as a fine food retailer.”
To help develop attendees’ business skills, the show’s Talking Shop has a varied timetable of talks, panel discussions and masterclasses from Digital Boost, Visit Scotland, Loves Local and packaging and design experts. Nessie’s Den will be there to entertain, with emerging suppliers showcasing their products to respected retailers in a light-hearted session.
The Best Product Awards from the show will be judged by leading food retailers, restauranteurs and supermarket buyers, with the winners displayed in the heart of the event.
Clare Rennie from Summerhouse Drinks, added: “This is a cracking show and the quality of the buyers gets better and better. You don’t realise how much you need a Show until it’s not on but we can’t underestimate how good and important it is to see customers – old and new.”
Show director Mark Saunders added: “One thing Scotland’s Speciality Food Show always offers is a wide variety of innovative products from around the land. So whether you’re after biscuits, unusual spirits, ice cream, savoury sauces or a traditional jam, there will be something there for every buyer.
“Large stands from the country’s food distributors are another focus of originality as they will showcase products from any number of small producers. This show is not to be missed as a major buying opportunity for the fine food industry so we look forward to welcoming you in Glasgow on January 22.”
