A grand tour of Scotland - in Shanghai
Scotland is introducing a selection of its world-leading luxury products and services at a special showcase in Shanghai today, Friday 14 October.
The ‘Shanghai Scotland Showcase’, developed by Scottish Development International (SDI), will take over 100 Chinese business leaders on an interactive tour of leading Scottish products and services, all looking to make their mark in China.
Scotland’s global reputation for the best whisky in the world and as the home of golf is well established, but these two exports are only a taster of what will be on offer to showcase Scotland’s talents in producing some of the best products and services in the world. Other premium offerings from a number of key industries will also be on display, including food & drink, fashion and textiles, innovative technology and education.
The event is an opportunity for key Chinese influencers to gain an appreciation of Scotland’s export potential, specifically in the high-end range of some of its brands. With China now forecast to overtake the US as the largest buyer of luxury goods by 2020, Shanghai is an ideal location to host the event.
There will be over 60 different Scottish brands on display to be explored, tasted and tested, including those already available in the Chinese market, and from companies seeking to export to China for the first time.
As well as special whisky tasting sessions from premium label, William Grant & Sons and a seafood master class using the finest Scottish salmon, guests will also experience the other areas where Scotland has a rich history of quality and world renowned skills.
This will include a display of luxury Scottish textiles and fabrics and a showcase from some of Scotland’s universities – who are leading the way globally in the field of research and development - a number of which already have strong links with Chinese institutions.
Delegates can also interact with gaming stations and consumer tech products showing some of the innovations in creative technology that have seen a number of pioneering businesses come out of Scotland such as Tag Games, Outplay Entertainment and Skyscanner.
It will give the opportunity for Chinese influencers to gain an appreciation of Scotland’s export potential, specifically in the high-end range of some of its brands.
David Leven, SDI’s head of Greater China at Scottish Enterprise said:
“China is one of the most important export markets available to Scotland and there is huge scope for the trade and investment relationship between our two countries to continue to increase. There are many opportunities for Chinese businesses and consumers to tap into Scotland’s iconic products and services, recognised as the best in the world and this showcase event brings these to life.”
The ‘Shanghai Scotland Showcase’ premium event takes place at the Intercontinental Shanghai Expo (Villa 9), on Friday 14 October. Guests are by invitation only.
The event is being hosted by Scottish Development International (SDI). SDI is a partnership between the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, which works to attract inward investment to Scotland and helps Scottish based companies to trade overseas.
Guests include over 100 of China’s prominent decision makers in the food and drink, textiles, tourism and education sectors. Commerce and business experts from organisations such as British Chamber of Commerce and China Britain Business Council are also set to attend.
The following businesses will be showcasing their products, services and experiences at the event:
- Golf Tourism: guests can pick up an old hickory club and experience, in virtual reality, teeing off from the 18th hole at the Old Course, St Andrews. Special golf experiences are available from Historic Golf Scotland including tour packages for golf holidays in Scotland
- Textiles: Jaguar Land Rover will be on demonstration with customised Bridge of Weir leather interiors. Other high-end textiles include Harris Tweed accessories from Maccessori, luxury cashmere from Johnstons of Elgin and Savile Row suits from Holland & Sherry
- Whisky tasting: guests can taste 12, 15 and 18 year-old Glenfiddich single malts, provided by distillers, William Grant & Sons.
- Seafood: hands-on culinary creations will showcase fish dishes using brown crab, oysters and lobster and sushi preparation sessions using Scottish salmon will take place, courtesy of China Culinary Art Master Jin Liang
- Education: the University of Glasgow is renowned for its research and development work and already has strong links with institutions in China. Representatives will be on hand to discuss how this can be developed further.
- Games & digital media: gaming stations will have iPads loaded with Scottish games and digital content including Skyscanner’s award winning holiday finding app, and games from innovative Scottish firms Tag Games, Outplay Entertainment, Rockstar and Blazing Griffin
- Craft beer: Scottish craft beer makers, Harvieston, will be offering tasters of Ole Engine Oil, Schiehallion and IPA beers – some already available in China