Following a successful summer season for tourism in Scotland, its fine food and drink outlets are ready to refresh and re-stock and where better than Scotland’s Speciality Food & Drink Show? Held at the SEC, Glasgow from 19-21 Jan 2025, this is the event where quality, innovation and flavour are celebrated.
With stands filling up fast, artisan and mainstream producers are wanting a slice of the sales that will come as delis, farm shops, tourist outlets, cafés and restaurants come to taste, see and enjoy the best of Scottish food and drink. Premium Scottish produce is renowned the world over for its quality and provenance, and this Show will display some of the most unusual and best on offer.
Regional food groups are a highlight of the Show with Orkney and Food from Argyll both taking large, multi-producer stands. Look out for Isle of Mull Coffee, Slainte Sauces, Isle of Mull Cheese and Annie’s Herb Kitchen, all from Argyll and rum, seafood, oatcakes, whisky and ice cream from Orkney.
Of the 100 plus exhibitors, about a third are new to the Show. In the Launch Gallery for new young companies, visit 8 Doors Distillery from John O’Groats, Bealach Gin from Invernesshire, Goat Rodeo Goods condiments, Sour Power Vinegars and The Third Sin chocolatier. Beyond these newcomers, producers such as Rise & Grind Roastery and The TeaShed are first time exhibitors.
Existing producers will be launching new ranges and re-connecting with customers – take a look and a taste at Great Glen Charcuterie, Island Larder, Stewart Tower Dairy, Kilted Fudge Co, Angels Dare Cocktails and The Cress Co distributors.
The Show offers more than just sourcing and buying, it’s about learning too. With a rich programme of panel discussions from Net Zero Nation on sustainability, trends, and Scottish Tourism Alliance’s keynote panel to a 1-to-1 interview on Success of a Farm Shop from Emma Niven at Loch Leven’s Larder and practical masterclasses on all aspects of retailing, including using AI and Canva. This is the place to learn how to improve your business and retail skills.
“I attend Scotland’s Speciality Food & Drink show most years as it is a great, well organised event," said Geraldine Bruce, Sainsbury’s Scottish Buyer. I use this as a good time to catch up with suppliers, see new products and meet potential new suppliers who may catch my eye with their products.” This year Geraldine will also be one of our ‘Nessies’ in the highly popular Nessie’s Den on Tuesday 21 Jan at 1 pm.
Sponsored by The Giftware Association, the awards will take on a new format this year with a dazzling display of winners in the centre of the Show and a high profile ceremony at the end of the first day of the Show.
The 2025 Show is being organised in partnership with Scotland Food & Drink who will bring some of their members, as well as key buyers. On Tuesday 21 January they will host a lively session in the Talking Shop on Scottish food & drink.
Mark Saunders Show Director said: “We recognise how key this Show is for fine food & drink outlets across, not just Scotland but the rest of the UK and overseas. Here they can look, taste and discover products that will increase their footfall and their sales. By attending you can be assured you’ll be ahead of your competitors in sourcing new ranges and new stock for the coming year. Ensure this date is firmly in your diary.”
