Global buyers to sample Scottish food and drink

Scottish food and drink companies have a unique opportunity to drive sales at home and abroad by participating in the Showcasing Scotland event, the first large scale event of its type to be run for the Scottish food and drink industry.

Taking place on 21 and 22 July at Dunblane Hydro, it will bring together around 80 buyers from the UK and key export markets who are looking for Scottish products to enhance their existing offering. The event is a partnership between Scotland Food & Drink and Scottish Development International (SDI), the international arm of Scotland’s economic development agencies.

While Scotland’s food and drink industry has been a continuing success story, there is still huge potential for growth in the UK and overseas, where Scottish provenance is seen as a marque of quality. In recognition of this, the recently launched Scotland Food & Drink Export Plan has identified 15 key export markets and buyers from some of these markets will be targeted to attend the Showcasing Scotland event.

Scottish companies and producers from areas such as dairy, red meat, drinks, bakery, premium grocery, seafood and salmon will be showcased to attending buyers over the two days.

There are a limited number of places for companies wishing to participate in the Showcasing Scotland event. Selection of companies will be based on their capability and ambition to grow their sales in the UK and/or internationally and each company selected will be required to complete up to two workshops to prepare them for the main event in July.

Successful companies will receive a guaranteed minimum of six introductory buyers meetings at the Showcasing Scotland event.

Amanda Brown, industry development director at Scotland Food & Drink, comments: “We have a wealth of amazing food and drink products in Scotland but it is not always easy to make connections with buyers. This event will provide suppliers with an opportunity to do just that but on a scale that hasn’t been delivered before.

“In 2014 all eyes will be on Scotland so there’s no better time for companies to make their mark on the global marketplace and we will be supporting participants to ensure they maximise the commercial benefits this landmark year brings.”

Susan Beattie, international sector head for Food and Drink at Scottish Development International, said: “We’re expecting to attract retail and foodservice buyers that represent the cream of the crop globally, spanning North America, South East Asia, Europe, Middle East, China, Japan and Hong Kong.

“The companies selected to meet the buyers need to be ready, willing and able to do business with them, which is why we’ve created a structured support programme for companies prior to the Showcasing Scotland event. I’d encourage every company with exporting ambitions to consider applying for a place.”

Participation in one of the workshop programmes will cost £350 +VAT and to attend both will cost £700 +VAT.

Suppliers who attend both programmes (ie the UK and international workshops) will receive a refund from SDI of £350 +VAT on successful completion of both workshop programmes and full participation in the Meet the Buyer event.

Members of Scotland Food & Drink will receive a 10% discount on the above prices.

To find out more email showcasingscotland@scotlandfoodanddrink.org