Industry legends celebrated across food and drink

In celebration of Speciality & Fine Food Fair’s 20th anniversary, the Fair teamed up with Speciality Food and English Heritage to recognise icons in food and drink. In an event that took place on Monday 1st July at Wellington Arch in London, 20 influential people across the industry were celebrated for their contributions, including Paul Hargreaves of Cotwold Fayre. He said “I was delighted, proud and humbled to be voted an ‘Icon of the Fine Food Industry.’ Having spent 20 years building Cotswold Fayre into the business it is today, it is really satisfying to be recognised by many others in the industry I love. Of course, being the figurehead, I receive the honour, but my amazing team must take most of the credit.”

Fiona Richmond of Scotland Food & Drink was also honoured at the event and she said “Can’t thank the Speciality team enough for going to so much effort to host the recent ‘icons’ event, and make us all feel so welcome and special. To be named amongst so many leading figures of the speciality food and drink world is an enormous privilege, and I will do my very best to continue to fly the flag for this exceptional sector.”

“In recognition of the Fair’s 20th anniversary, we are delighted to have partnered with Speciality Food magazine and English Heritage to celebrate the Icons of our industry. Through their hard work and determination, each of our icons has made an incredible contribution. Since the Fair began in 1999, many of them have played an integral role in shaping this vibrant, thriving sector. It was an absolute privilege to have so many of them at our event in Wellington Arch – it was a truly special moment and one that we are thrilled to have been part of,” said Elena Attanasio, event organiser for Speciality & Fine Food Fair.

Editor of Speciality Food, Holly Shackleton, who co-hosted the event, added, “To be in the same room as so many of the food and drink industry’s elite was a privilege, and a fitting celebration of 20 years of Speciality & Fine Food Fair. Every year the show brings together the brightest and best of the sector - a true testament to the incredible people, skills and expertise within the fine food industry today.”

Melanie Eastwood at English Heritage also commented; “English Heritage is proud to be partnering with Speciality & Fine Food Fair and Speciality Food Magazine to celebrate 20 years of fine food and drink. We were delighted to host their evening with guests and artisan producers together to celebrate 20 icons of the food and drink industry at Wellington Arch. The setting was perfect; with London views for the guests to enjoy, the evening was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievement of those recognised by their peers for their contribution to the food and drink industry.”