With local sourcing still important for many retailers, a trip to Glasgow next month might be worthwhile as Scotland’s Speciality Food & Drink Show returns to showcase great products from across the country.
For retailers keen to grow the range of locally, regionally and nationally sourced Scottish products they sell, a trip to the SEC in Glasgow next month (21 to 23 January 2024) might be worthwhile as Scotland’s Speciality Food & Drink Show returns.
The organisers say sales of exhibition space at Scotland’s only fine food and drink show are soaring and almost back at pre-pandemic levels.
The event promises once again to be the key buying arena for convenience stores in Scotland and it will see outstanding food and drink products from across the country on show and available for sampling.
Scotland is a varied nation in terms of its produce, reflected by the regional stands at the Show. Orkney will return with its large cluster of local producers, as well as Food from Argyll and East Lothian Food & Drink.
New exhibitors to look out for are drinks producers such as Arrochar Alps Gin, Brose Oats, Holleys Fine Foods, Highland Moon, Isle of Mull Coffee, Select Drams, Tchai-Ovna Fine Teas and The Inventor’s Gin Company.
These will complement Show favourites such as Rora Dairy, Edinburgh Honey, Galloway Lodge Preserves, Great Glen Charcuterie, Dark Sky Spirits, Island Bakery, Island Smokery, Slainte Sauces, Taza Bake, Wark Farm Pies, Persie Distillery and Summer House Drinks.
Launch time!
The Show will also feature a Launch Gallery for new young companies and this year stars in the Gallery will include Cruice, MYXD Cocktails, D!P Club, Kinnaird Kitchen, Three Robins Oat Milk and Pochle (Inchcolm Distilling), among others.
This is the area where new creativity is celebrated, brand-new products will be sourced for the first time, and new young companies are given a leg up to get established in the market.
In addition, the Show will feature its usual Talking Shop series of live presentations, panel discussions and masterclasses. Topics to be covered will include digital masterclasses; AI and how to harness for retail; Scottish Tourism Alliance Spotlight Sessions on how to maximise the tourist trade; sustainability, using trends to grow your business in food and drink; and pop-up shops.
Nessie’s Den will also return to entertain with emerging suppliers showcasing their products to retailers.
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 around the globe.
