15 June 2007, 19:46 PM
  • The nation’s most influential foodies will be gathering at London’s Olympia Exhibition Centre from 2nd to 4th September 2007 for the annual Speciality & Fine Food Fair.

Buyers from independent stores and leading food halls, top chefs, restaurateurs, deli owners, distributors and food writers: the show attracts anyone and everyone who’s interested in selecting the very best foods from around the world for their business. On the stands, producers using traditional methods rub shoulders with the makers of highly innovative new products, giving the show a real farmers’ market appeal.

In 2006, nearly 6,000 visitors descended on Olympia to sample the wares of some 500 producers, including speciality meats, fine wines, interesting cheeses, innovative condiments and luxury bakery goods. There will be the same wealth of producers and products to see and sample in 2007. 

Paul MacDonald, event director, said, “This show is a ‘must-visit’ for everyone who produces, supplies and purchases fine foods. Every year there’s something new to see and fresh flavours to experience. If you want to know what’s happening in the fine food world, this is the place to be.”

International pavilions at this year’s event will feature speciality foods from France, Spain, Italy, the USA, Australia, Argentina, Greece, Portugal and Belgium. All British regional food groups will be present, covering all parts of the UK, giving local producers the opportunity to exhibit at a major national event.

Special attractions at the event include the Great Taste Awards, now in their 14th year, the Fine Food Forum and the Small Business Forum. 

For the Great Taste Awards, judges seek out entries that represent the best quality food and drink available in the marketplace. These products are unveiled exclusively at the Fair. 

The Fine Food Forum gives visitors the opportunity to learn how to identify the very best in food and drink through insightful presentations. Visitors can enjoy new tastes, favourite flavours, and find out what the future holds for this sector. The programme is designed to be inspirational and informative and sessions are completely free of charge – likewise, the Small Business Forum features expert speakers providing practical business advice and useful ideas. Places are available at both events on a first come, first served basis.

Paul MacDonald concludes, “The Speciality & Fine Food Fair captures the passion and excitement of a sector that is very much in the public eye right now.  If you are serious about the fine food business, you should be there.”

For further information about the event and to register for Guest Passes, please visit www.specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk