Speciality Food Jan/Feb 2026

specialityfoodmagazine.com 19 ● Reinvigorating Scotland’s town centres and high streets Sponsored by The Giftware Association, the Best Product Awards will feature a dazzling display of winners in the centre of the Show and a high profile ceremony at the end of the first day of the Show. Judged by industry experts, including Rosalind Erskine from The Scotsman, Giovanna Eusebi from Eusebi’s deli and John Sinclair from Craigie’s Farm Shop, this is the place to find what’s ‘hot’ in the world of food and drink. On Tues 20th Jan Nessie’s Den, a light hearted session similar to the TV favourite Dragon’s Den, will feature new, young companies pitching to three expert retailers. Their valuable commercial advice has helped raise some new companies from selling in a few places to widespread national distribution. The 2026 Show is being organised in collaboration with Scotland Food & Drink who will bring some of their members, as well as key buyers. Show Director Mark Saunders sums it up: “We know how vital this Show is for fine food and drink retailers across Scotland, the UK, and beyond. Attendees will leave armed with new products and insights to stay ahead of the competition. Register now and join us for an inspiring and rewarding experience.” Held in conjunction with Scotland’s Trade Fair, this event offers a one-stop shop for retailers, who can source gifts, homewares, fashion accessories, crafts, jewellery and food and drink all under one roof, making it a great day out. Scotland’s Speciality Food & Drink Show 2026 is free to attend for registered trade buyers. Exhibitor applications are now open, and visitor registration will open soon. Please visit: scotlandstradefairs.com IN DETAIL WHAT: Scotland’s Speciality Food & Drink WHEN: 18th–20th January 2026 WHERE: SEC, Glasgow WEB : scotlandstradefairs.com EED TO KNOW GROWING APPETITE FOR SCOTTISH FOOD AND DRINK ACROSS THE UK The study showed that British consumers are actively seeking out Scottish food and drink more than ever, with 56% of shoppers outside of Scotland stating they would like to be able to buy more food and drink produced in Scotland, with that figure rising to 84% in Scotland. According to the research, consumers view Scottish produce as being high quality, and they also associated it with supporting the local economy, reliable availability, freshness and high standards of production. One English shopper described Scottish food and drink as “a premium product, worth paying more for,” while a Northern Irish shopper believed that purchasing Scottish food and drink “means fresher, often higher-quality produce.” More than 7 in 10 respondents felt that it is important for supermarkets to stock Scottish products, in both branded and own label formats, and Scottish shoppers stated that they would be “annoyed”, “sad” or “disappointed” if Scottish produce was not on retailer shelves. Nearly 8 in 10 actively seek out or prefer groceries made in Scotland, according to the research. One Scottish shopper exampled, “The products produced in Scotland taste a lot better”. Carol Saunders, head of insight at The Knowledge Bank, said, “It’s great to see the growing appreciation for Scottish food and drink across the whole of the UK. Consumers clearly recognise what we’ve long known – that we have a wide basket of amazing food and drink in Scotland, which stand out for their quality, flavour and the care that goes into making them. “Looking ahead, successful Scottish companies won’t just be the ones highlighting their country of origin. Explaining what that means to consumers with regard to sustainability credentials and quality perceptions, and layering with other benefits such as health, exciting new flavours and recognised certifications is the route forward as a winning combination.” New research from The Knowledge Bank has demonstrated that shoppers across the UK have an appetite for food and drink produced in Scotland.