Press Releases
Feedback from buyers and exhibitors alike was positive with food buyers encouraged by many new, small artisan producers with innovative products such as rapeseed dressings, smoked pheasant, tea for pregnant women, local cheese and meat, garlic products and delicious preserves.
In tough economic times eating in has become the new eating out and customers are becoming more discerning in their purchases of food and drink, often buying locally rather than in the supermarket.
Mark Saunders of Springboard Events, which organises the show alongside The Guild of Fine Food, said: “It is encouraging to see that attendance increased this year. With a weak pound there is good expectation for the year ahead with high tourist numbers and Brits holidaying in Scotland.
“Scotland continues to be renowned for its small quality food producers and this Show did not disappoint. Increasingly retailers are looking for original, good tasting products and we had plenty of these.”
Sheana Catto from The Spey Larder in Aberlour said: “It was an excellent show and worth travelling to. We found many new suppliers and also made contact with existing ones which is important for fine food shops in more remote areas. We also found it useful that Scotland’s Trade Show was held alongside so we could also buy gifts for our shop.”
This year Scotland’s Speciality Food Show was incorporated into the same hall as the huge Trade Show, which meant there was a good buzz with buyers attending both events.
Alex Evans, Product Development Manager for Westmoreland Farm Shops on the M6, said: “We sourced some interesting new products, especially from small producers who often don’t come as far south as Cumbria as it’s too far. We like the mix of stands and that there is such a wealth of speciality food.”
Exhibitors were equally pleased with the show and the upturn in quality food retailing. Andrew Ramsay from butchers Ramsays of Carluke said: “This has been a highly successful show with good awareness-raising for our products and the range of things we do.” Chris Young from The Handmade Oatcake Company added: “There were many interesting, serious buyers across the three days.”
Salina Abdul-Rahin from L’ail Olive said: “This is one of the best shows we have ever been to, with friendly people and quality customers. It has been invaluable for us in getting Scottish customers.”
With such a positive feedback it is hoped 2010 will be a good year for speciality food retailing. Donald Reid, editor of The Larder added: “This show demonstrated that the food and drink scene in Scotland is thriving.”
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Note to Editors:
Scotland’s Speciality Food Show– 24-26 January 2010, SECC, Glasgow
Scotland’s Trade Fairs
Organised by Springboard Events - Tel: 01877 385772
www.scotlandsspecialityfoodshow.com
For further press information, please contact:
Fenella Taylor at Fenella Taylor PR
Tel: 01389 830390 Mobile: 07721 324696
Email: fenella@fenellataylorpr.co.uk
The Guild of Fine Food
The Guild of Fine Food is the trade body for the UK’s fine food industry. It represents over 1,300 independent delicatessens, food halls and premium farm shops and speciality food suppliers. It organises the annual Great Taste Awards and World Cheese Awards, which together attract around 7,000 product entries from fine food suppliers each year. It also organises the annual Harrogate Speciality Food Show.
Springboard Events
Springboard Events was set up in 2007 to organise and market shows and events in Scotland, most notably Scotland’s Trade Fairs. With numerous years experience in show and event management Springboard Events, which is based near Glasgow, is keen to position the shows as comprehensive and inspirational buying resources in the heart of Scotland.
