Business contacts were made and orders were generated when members of Food from Argyll showcased the area’s exceptional food and drink, and the benefits of living and working in Argyll and Bute, at Scotland’s Speciality Food Show, at Glasgow’s SECC, in January.
The show attracts buyers from delicatessens, farm shops, and specialist food retailers from throughout Scotland and the North of England. More than 4500 visitors attended the show, over three days.
Virginia Sumsion, of Food from Argyll, said: “The Speciality Food Show was an ideal platform for the group of Argyll producers, all of whom were relatively new to the market. Buyers were interested in them individually, and as a group, and the visitors and other exhibitors provided valuable feedback and information for the producers.
“We were able to speak to media representatives about Food from Argyll and they were keen to find out more about us and come and visit in 2020. Overall it was three days very well spent and thanks to the support from Argyll and Bute Council we made the most of the space available and enabled the producers to achieve their aims without having to outlay excessive time and funds which trade shows can often require.
Councillor Jim Anderson, Deputy Policy Lead for Economic Growth, said: “The quality of Argyll and Bute’s food and drink offering is second to none. We recognised the valuable role this sector plays in growing the local economy and we want to do all we can to support local businesses looking to introduce their products to new markets.
“Food from Argyll identified the ideal platform to showcase its members, putting them in front of buyers looking for exactly that type of product, so the council was delighted to be able to provide funding for the stand to make it happen.”
Ian Rutledge, of Isle of Bute Cheeses, said: “It was good to meet other producers form the area and I met some other cheesemakers, who I hope I will keep in touch with. I got three definite orders and a lot of other interest that I hope will lead to others.”
Eve MacFarlane, of Argyll Coffee Roasters, said: "The support towards the cost of the stand, gave us the opportunity to really increase our profile on the Scottish Food Scene. I got so much from talking to other producers and companies that were exhibiting and got several good new leads to customers”
Note:
Food from Argyll members who exhibited were:
Isle of Bute Cheeses, Hinba Coffee Roasters, Highland Fold Ice Cream, Shellfield Farm, Argyll Coffee Roasters and Beinn an Tuirc Distillers