Finding speciality Scottish food for your farm shop is taken care of at this year's Scotland’s Speciality Food Show at the SEC in Glasgow, which is a mecca of fine food and drinks produced by artisan creators from far and wide. The show is not just about buying and finding suppliers, but has so much more to offer with awards, workshops, networking and talks among the many added extras.
Nothing beats the actual face-to-face interaction that visits to trade shows facilitate, where buyers can meet with suppliers, taste the products, check out the packaging and understand if it’s something their customers will go for. On the back of another bumper tourist season in Scotland there’s every reason to come and source products before the competition beats you to it.
The Jan 2020 show is almost fully booked, and the range and quality of the exhibitors is impressive. On trend this year are delicious soft drinks catering for the non-drinking market, such as the Paisley Drinks Company, Cushiedoos, Alba Cola and Summerhouse drinks. Every farm shop and fine food outlet is well aware of its eco credentials and there is an increase in non-plastic alternative producers such as Ecobags, B plastic free and Bumblewraps.
Regional offerings
Food from the regions has always been popular and new for this show is Flavours of Fife with at least 11 companies such as Coul Brewing, Lindores Abbey, Rumburra Scotland, Christopher Trotter and Burntisland Fish Co. Food from Argyll, Orkney, Shetland and Northern Ireland will all also host large stands brimming with innovative products.
Launching at the show
The show aims to inspire with its launch gallery – a hotbed of originality and innovation where young producers will showcase their wares, such as Woodmill Game, Badachro Distillery, The Pakora Explorer, The Gael Spirits Co, Ice and Fire Distillery, Smoky Barrel Jerky, Grace Chocolates changing lives and Isle of Mull seaweed.
The show informs with its new ‘Talking Shop’ area, where industry experts will impart gems about retailing, offer practical advice on improving your business with social media, give ideas to attract tourists and make them spend and entertain with some light-hearted sessions. Adding to this mix the popular Nessie’s Den is back, where a handful of exhibitors will present their products to the panel of retail experts for their feedback.
New for 2020 the show has also negotiated many special show discounts in local eateries and hotels.
Sue Montgomery, Ardardan Farm Shop said: “The Scottish Speciality Food and Trade Fair is always a must do on our calendar and it never disappoints. It’s a great opportunity to see what’s new in the industry, blether with current suppliers and find a few new jewels to stock in our farm and gift shop.”
Show director, Mark Saunders, added: “The aim of this Food Show is to ensure we are a one-stop show for all independent retailers, both food and gifts, in Scotland and northern England. Here they can be inspired, place orders and ensure they are ahead of the game for the coming season.”
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