Countdown to Scotland's Speciality Food & Drink Show - 10 Compelling Reasons to Attend

With less than seven weeks to go until Scotland’s Speciality Food & Drink Show opens in Glasgow on 21 Jan, it’s time to register and start planning your trip. But why is this show so special? Here’s 10 reasons why you must attend.

1. Over 120 producers are confirmed to exhibit which is a 10% increase on the number of exhibitors on the 2023 Spring Show.

2. About one third of all suppliers are new to the Show, representing a mix of innovative Scottish producers and well-known British brands. Ones to look out for are Rora Dairy, The Third Sin, Infin8, Buck & Birch, Arrochar Alps Gin, Brose Oats, Highland Moon, Isle of Mull Coffee, Select Drams, Tchai-Ovna Fine Teas, Football Special drinks and The Inventor’s Gin Company.

3. Enjoy the finest produce from Scotland’s regions with three large regional stands – the Orkney Aisles will include Island Smokery, Argo’s Bakery, Island Larder, Jolly’s of Orkney and Orkney Distilling. Further south, the Food from Argyll stand hosts Annie’s Herb Kitchen, Slainte Sauces, Isle of Mull Seaweed, Isle of Mull Cheese and Tiree Tea, while East Lothian Food & Drink will showcase products from companies such as Belhaven Smokehouse, Buck & Birch, Dodger preserves, The Chocolate Tree and Frasier Liqueur.

4. Discover the next generation of producers in the Launch Gallery where new companies launch their businesses. Take a look at Cruice, MYXD Cocktails, D!P Club, Kinnaird Kitchen, Hemp It Up, Kinnaird Kitchen, Little Birdie Coffee, The Third Sin, Three Robins Oat Milk and Pochle (Inchcolm Distilling) to mention a few.

5. Drinks have a broad appeal for both retailers and catering outlets and restaurants. From artisan tea and coffee to soft or alcoholic drinks there will be something to taste and stock. Check out Dark Sky Spirits, Brodie Melrose Drysdale, Cairn O’Mhor, Edinburgh Tea & Coffee, Highland Boundary, Persie Distillery, Summer House Drinks and The Inventor’s Gin Co.

6. Many buyers come to this Show to network with existing stockists and taste their new ranges. With so many fine food and drink producers to choose from there is something for every outlet from show favourites such as Edinburgh Honey, Galloway Lodge Preserves, Stewart Tower Dairy, Great Glen Charcuterie, Island Bakery, Farrah’s, Taza Bake, Walker’s Shortbread and Wark Farm Pies.

7. For the first time ever Scotland Food & Drink will be a Show partner. With a large hospitality stand, as well as contributing to the special events, it is fantastic to have this organisation as a partner.

8. Listen to inspiring speakers and gain fresh business insight at the Talking Shop Seminar Theatre featuring a busy schedule of talks, panel discussions and masterclasses. Details here.

9. Meet the winners of the Best Product Awards being judged on the opening morning of the Show by Scottish food and drink experts - Catherine Cameron, Cobbs Food Group Buyer, Jonathan Macdonald, Chef & Owner, Ka Pao and Ox & Finch restaurants, Linda McLean, Kintyre Larder and Geraldine Bruce,  Regional Buyer, Packaged and Speciality, Sainsburys.

10. This Show is a one stop buying platform with the co-located Scotland’s Trade Fair, brimming with suppliers of gifts, homeware, jewellery, textiles and crafts too, where about 400 suppliers will be exhibiting.

Show Director Mark Saunders said: “Whilst the domestic market is still tough, tourism has been flying in Scotland this year with record sales being achieved in many areas. This is good news for the show as retailers will have confidence and money to invest in new products for 2024.”

Register now here.