Scotland’s Speciality Food Show sees flurry of last-minute exhibitors

New to the 2023 show are Sloemotion Distillery with its wide range of liqueurs and spirits, Taza Bake, which produces Lebanese flatbreads in Edinburgh, Angels Dare Cocktails from Glasgow, Kandy Kitchen Creations, which produces soup, stew and risotto kits, Isle of Barra Distillers, Mellis Cheese, and The Moray Honey Company.

The pioneering Launch Gallery for young companies sees Scottish tablet producer Tabrifics from Aberdeen and soft drink producer Cruice from Glasgow joining the show as new exhibitors.

Panny Laing, owner of Logie Farm Shop and one of the Best Product Award judges, commented, “I always try to come to Scotland’s Speciality Food Show as it is useful for sourcing for the farm shop. I do go to other fairs but the Scottish one is by far my favourite as it is friendly, and by and large, the exhibitors are far more ready to engage in a genuine way than at the bigger events.”

The Talking Shop schedule of talks, panel discussions and masterclasses is full of expert content this year, including four talks by Digital Boost on E-commerce, the Dangers of Social Media, Content and Pinterest; a session on visitor experience from VisitScotland; and others covering subjects from how to work with influencers and lifestyle trends in retail marketing to the latest initiatives from retailers on the Loves Local campaign. There are also events discussing successful packaging ideas and shop design, and a lively panel discussion from industry heavyweights on the DRS Scheme due to come in this year.

Moreover, the prestigious Best Product Awards will be judged on Sunday morning and the winning products will be on display thereafter. The judges include foodie and retail experts such as Callum Nimmo, buyer from Tesco, Joanna Nethery, owner of Five March restaurants, Panny Laing, owner of Logie Steading Farm & Garden Shop and Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox, from Fine Food Digest magazine.

Mark Saunders, show director, added, “After a difficult few years, Scotland’s Speciality Food Show is set to be the place for farm shops, restaurants, hotels, delis and fine food shops to see, taste, source, order, network and learn, to set them up for a good year ahead. We look forward to welcoming everyone on 22nd January.”