10 reasons to visit Scotland’s Speciality Food Show

1. Seek out new products from a myriad of Scottish producers who are only showing at this show. Immediate orders can be made direct at the show to ensure you’re fully stocked with fine food and drink pre-Easter.

2. Be first to see the Launch Gallery suppliers who are new young companies, with many unveiling their ranges at this show. Exhibitors include Isle of Cumbrae Distillers, Nuisance Drinks, Woodmill Game and Roehill Springs Distillery.

3. Learn new business tips, understand how to expand your business’s profile and be inspired with a series of panel discussions, masterclasses and talks in the Talking Shop Seminar Theatre on a range of subjects from working with influencers to sustainability, Instagram to tourism tactics and much more.

4. Discover what’s ‘hot’ this year with Best Product Awards being judged on the opening morning of the show by judges who are all Scottish retail food experts – Hilary Anderson from Allarburn Farm Shop in Elgin, Nick Moriarty from The Smiddy at Blair Drummond, Peter McKenna from The Gannet Restaurant in Glasgow and Gavin Warnock from Bayleaf Deli in Orkney.

5. Scotland’s Specialty Food Show is the only trade fine food and drink show in Scotland.

6. Source products from all corners of Scotland, from new companies such as Beet This Food Sauce, East Neuk Salt Company, Highland Boundary, Island Bakery Organics, Ramsay of Carluke, the Ochil Fudge Pantry and The Scottish Tea House and many more.

7. Regional aisles are a key highlight this year, with Lanarkshire Larder, Tastes of Fife and Food from Argyll all showcasing a number of small producers from these regions, complementing a large offering from Taste of Orkney.

8. Independent research has shown that Scotland’s Speciality Food Show is one of the highest performing trade, food and gift shows in the country with visitors particularly impressed by the high quality and range of products available.

9. Check out gifts, homewares, jewellery, crafts and textiles too – Scotland’s Speciality Food Show is run in conjunction with Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring where about 400 suppliers will be showcasing their products, allowing buyers a ‘one-stop’ buying platform.

10. Scotland’s fine food and drink has an unrivalled reputation the world over as quality, tasty and interesting products. To build on this success and notoriety, this Show will offer retailers the perfect place to source the new ranges and place orders.

“We had no choice about the postponement of the show, but in many ways there are more things to look forward to and be excited about with the new March dates,” show director Mark Saunders said. “We have new producers coming forward looking for stands already, as well as many exhibitors being in a better position to provide stock immediately in March so farm shops, delis, cafés, restaurants and hotels should expect short lead times on supply. Together with a comprehensive programme of talks, masterclasses and other activities this date should firmly be in the diaries of independent fine food and drink retailers.”

“The range and mix of products from established to embryonic producers blows us away and it is so encouraging to see the quality of the products and the great way they are presented,” added Andrew Firth from Herbie of Edinburgh. “Consumers, and therefore buyers, are more discerning than ever about how and where their food and drink is produced, which is definitely reflected at this show. It is heartening to see the amount of innovation and resilience in such a tough market.”