Scottish food and drink to make an impact in London during September

02 September 2005

More than 30 food and drink companies from all over Scotland will be joining forces to maximise their impact in London during September at an international trade fair, followed by over 40 companies participating in a regional promotion at the world-famous Harrods store in Knightsbridge.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is organising the Scottish Pavilion at the Speciality and Fine Food Fair (SFFF) in London between 4^th and 6^th September in association with Scottish Food and Drink and Scottish Enterprise.

Rob Clarke, senior key industries manager at HIE, said: “Both these London events will provide companies with a fantastic opportunity to raise their profile both nationally and internationally.

“Attending the SFFF gives exhibitors an opportunity to meet top end caterers, retailers, restaurateurs and distributors and to raise awareness of their businesses and products, increase sales and identify trends in packaging and innovation.

“The Harrods event gives companies a unique opportunity to reach out to the thousands of consumers from all over the world who visit the store on a daily basis, which will undoubtedly raise awareness and increase sales.”

This will be the first time there has been an all-Scotland presence at the high profile SFFF London, and it is hoped that together these companies will send out a powerful message about the quality and variety of speciality produce has to offer.

Previously was represented by individual companies and regional groups at the show. However, this year it was proposed that they should all be brought together in a Scottish Pavilion.

During the SFFF, the 49 Scottish gold award winners of the Great Taste Awards 2005 will hear which of them have gone on to win special category awards, including the “Best Scottish Speciality” award sponsored by HIE. Other categories include “Supreme Champion”, “Best British Speciality” and a number of regional awards.

Visitors to the Scottish Pavilion will enjoy a culinary tour of sampling products from companies as geographically diverse as the Shetland and Western Isles, the Highlands , Grampian, Perthshire, Edinburgh , Lanarkshire and Dumfries and Galloway . There will also be several innovative products on show, including strawberry wine and chocolate chip mustard.

Maggie McGinlay, director of Scottish Food and Drink at Scottish Enterprise said: “This is a fantastic showcase for , as quality speciality food and drink is one of the areas in which we excel and are flourishing. The record number of gold awards winners this year and exceptional Scottish presence at the Fair itself, really show the strength of the Scottish food and drink industry in this area. It’s particularly encouraging to see groups of companies working together, such as the Savour the Flavour initiative from Dumfries and Galloway, as this will be the key for many smaller companies to get their products noticed.”

Immediately after the SFFF, over 40 Scottish companies will take part in a month-long promotion taking place in Harrods. This is part of the store’s “Truly British” promotion and the Scottish presence in the food halls will feature the finest of Scottish produce including beef, lamb, seafood and whisky.

LIST OF EXHIBITORS

100% Arabica Ltd, Lanarkshire (Stand Number: 234)

Applesnapz Limited, Lanarkshire (Stand Number: 231)

Baxters Food Group, Morayshire (Stand Number: 230)

Cairn O'Mohr Ltd, Perth (Stand Number: 430)

Castle Maclellan Foods, Kirkcudbright (Stand Number: 31)

Craigadam, Castle Douglas (Stand Number: 135)

Cream O' Galloway, Castle Douglas (Stand Number: 33)

Deans of Huntly Ltd, Huntly (Stand Number: 229)

Galloway Lodge Preserves, Castle Douglas (Stand Number: 29)

Gardiners of Scotland Ltd, Lanarkshire (Stand Number: 425)

Groovy Chocolate Ltd, Lanarkshire (Stand Number: 35)