Speciality Food September 2025

55 specialityfoodmagazine.com FRESHEUROPEANPRODUCE TOTAKE CENTRE STAGE AT SPECIALITY&FINE FOODFAIR Vividly coloured, ripe and aromatic – fresh produce remains one of the most exciting ingredients in speciality retail. From sweet, plump tomatoes still clinging to their herbaceously scented vines, to purple, sun-ripened figs destined to bring a luxurious finish to a dessert, salad or cheese plate, consumers are captivated by fruit and vegetables, especially when they boast a unique heritage or story. At this year’s Speciality & Fine Food Fair (London Olympia, 9th- 10th September) as part of its More Than Only Food & Drink campaign, the EU will demonstrate the beauty and huge variety of exceptional fresh produce to be found across the continent, with a focus on organic, PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) and lesser-known varieties. The bright display at booth 1350 is set to showcase 54 products (two per EUMember States, one fresh, one preserved), alongside pairings, with additional space given to European processed meats, cheeses, bakery and confectionery goods. Veryan Bliss, fruit and vegetable advisor to the campaign, says consumers not only great taste, but also a guarantee of provenance and integrity.” On day one of the show, there’ll be an ‘open kitchen tasting’ consisting of an assembly collection of products, and cooking demonstrations which will see advisors and chefs (including Nikki Lewis Logie, Ned Palmer and Mike Knowlden) interacting with visitors. Demonstrations continue on day two, which also includes a speaking session on the Food for Thought stage at 11am. Veryan will lead the discussion. Explore more than 50 exceptional varieties from across the EU at the UK’s leading speciality food event fresh produce plays a vital role in enriching the UK market. “From everyday staples to speciality ingredients, EU growers offer produce grown to rigorous environmental and food safety standards, with many items certified organic, or recognised under PDO and PGI schemes. “These trusted marks ensure authenticity, traceability, and a deep connection to regional farming traditions – bringing British PARTNER CONTENT A TASTE OF EUROPE Amongst the samples to explore at the EU’s More Than Only Food & Drink booth this year will be: STEIRISCHESKÜRBISKERNÖL PGI, AUSTRIA Toasted organic Styrian PGI pumpkin seeds – a rare variety prized for their rich, nutty flavour and distinctive appearance – are grown specifically for oil production. Cold-pressed and unrefined, the oil retains its full nutritional profile without the use of heat or chemicals. Its deep green hue and velvety texture make it a versatile ingredient, and it’s naturally rich in Vitamin E and polyunsaturated fats. SZENTESI PAPRIKA PGI, HUNGARY Szentesi paprika PGI celebrated for its colour, sweet aroma and balanced heat. Grown in the country’s sun-drenched plains and harvested at peak ripeness, the peppers are carefully dried and ground to produce a vivid spice as flavourful as it is fragrant. FIGS, ITALY Grown under the golden sun of Southern Italy, the figs you’ll see at the event are a celebration of natural sweetness and rustic elegance. Tender and honeyed, they’re harvested at peak ripeness to preserve their lush flavour and soft, velvety texture. PIRI PIRI PEPPERS, PORTUGAL Produced in Southern Portugal piri piri peppers are small but fiercely flavoursome, bringing both heat and citrussy brightness to the table. They are a cornerstone of Portuguese culinary tradition, used in oils, marinades, sauces and spice blends. ORGANIC PEAR JUICE, ROMANIA Enjoy the sweet, pure, refreshing taste of hand-picked sun-ripened pears, grown on a sustainable farm in the heart of Transylvania. This juice is cold-pressed to preserve the fruit’s natural nutrients, while capturing its very essence. No water or preservatives are added. ORGANIC CHERRIES, NETHERLANDS Grown and prepared in the Netherlands, these cherries reflect a rare commitment to local sourcing, making this one of the few cherry products in the country made with domestic fruit. Perfect for desserts, yoghurts, pastries or as a tart topping. With a career dedicated to improving fresh produce supply chains, her leadership, innovative strategies and commitment to quality and safety continue to set industry standards. As well as being co-chair of the Waitrose Agronomy Group and Waitrose Farming Partnership Group for 20 years, Veryan was commercial technical director of Suncrop Produce from 2003 to 2022, growing the business exponentially. The theme of her session is EU-UK trade, and sustainability opportunities in fresh fruit and vegetables. The discussion will spotlight the vital role of the European Union in advancing sustainable, high-quality trade in fresh produce with the UK, exploring leadership in food standards, innovation, and new opportunities for collaboration in a post-Brexit landscape. Bringing these themes to life, attendees will be invited to taste a curated selection of delicious seasonal produce from EUMember States, revealing the scope and diversity of what’s available, including many lesser-known ingredients. This will illustrate firsthand how EU food is about more than just flavour – it’s about values, trust and a shared future. “Having worked and travelled across the EU fresh produce industry for over 30 years, I’ve seen firsthand the passion, precision and pride that go into growing and preparing some of the finest fruits and vegetables in the world,” adds Veryan. “The EU continues to deliver outstanding quality to the UK market. I’m delighted to be able to showcase a selection of these exceptional products, each one a reflection of the integrity, sustainability and care behind Europe’s diverse farming traditions.”