Speciality Food January 2024

as there is something to inspire everyone.” Business skills unravelled To help develop your retail business the Talking Shop features a busy schedule of talks, panel discussions andmasterclasses. These include digital strategies (such as harnessing AI and Instagram reels), and Scottish TourismAlliance Spotlight Sessions on how to maximise the tourist trade, sustainability, leveraging trends to grow your business in food and drink, and pop-up shops. Nessie’s Den also returns to entertain with emerging suppliers showcasing their products to respected retailers. The Best Product Awards will be judged by leading food and drink buyers during the event, with winners 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 worldwide. Witch, The Chocolate Tree and Frasier Liqueur. New exhibitors to look out for include The Third Sin, Infin8, Buck & Birch, Arrochar Alps Gin, Brose Oats, Holleys Fine Foods, HighlandMoon, Isle of Mull Coffee, Select Drams, Tchai-Ovna Fine Teas and The Inventor’s Gin Co. These will complement show favourites such as Edinburgh Honey Co, Galloway Lodge Preserves, Great Glen Charcuterie, Dark Sky Spirits, Slainte Sauces, Taza Bake, Wark Farm Pies, Persie Distillery and Summer House Drinks. Look out for the launch The Launch Gallery is a space dedicated to bringing buyers and new, young businesses together. This year, the gallery welcomes MYXD Cocktails, D!P Club, Kinnaird Kitchen, Three Robins, Pochle (InchcolmDistilling), andmany others. Creativity is celebrated in this area, and brand-new products will be available to try for the first time. It also provides a platform for emerging companies to establish themselves in the market. CallumNimmo, Scottish buyer for Tesco, said, “Last January I was blown away by the variety of suppliers that were participating. I found it particularly interesting speaking to owners and brand ambassadors to learn about their company and products straight from the source, and to hear their ambitions for the future. Everybody I spoke to was super helpful and the passion for their brands was evident – I would highly recommend the event to any buyer in the food or drink industry A nticipation is building for the return of Scotland’s only fine food and drink event. Taking place at the SEC in Glasgow from 21st to 23rd January, the Speciality Food & Drink Show promises to showcase the finest offerings fromScotland’s diverse culinary landscape. This is the principal fine food and drink buying arena for delis, farm shops, convenience stores, supermarkets and tourist outlets across Scotland. The success of many independent businesses in the country is attributed, in part, to the substantial influx of tourists, especially fromNorth America, India and the Far East. This, coupled with the strong reputation Scottish produce commands, has helped fuel huge demand for stands in 2024. The Speciality Food & Drink Show has recently undergone a name change and brand refresh, reflecting a more contemporary feel, with witty undertones that highlight the importance of fine drinks for the Scottishmarket. 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 promises to offer innovative, delicious products and a host of added extras to interest buyers. Make sure the date is firmly in your diary!” 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, Jollys of Orkney, and Orkney Distilling. Further South, the Food fromArgyll 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, The Spice specialityfoodmagazine.com 17 IN DETAIL WHERE: SEC, Glasgow WHEN: 21st-23rd January 2024 WEB: scotlandstradefairs.com NEED TO KNOW REGISTER NOW FOR SCOTLAND’S PREMIER FOOD AND DRINK SHOW Source Scotland’s best at SEC Glasgow 21st-23rd January 2024 Our show promises to offer innovative, delicious products