Scottish Minister for Business, Trade and Tourism Ivan McKee will celebrate Scottish small businesses when Scotland’s Trade Fair opens at the SEC, Glasgow on 22 Jan. With over 400 exhibitors and many, many more visitors from retailers, farm shops, tourist outlets and large stores coming to source and order at the Show it looks likely to be a busy few days. The Show runs from 22-24 Jan.
Mr McKee will visit the Show on Mon 23rd from 1.30pm to speak about encouraging businesses during the current economic conditions, and tour the Show (speaking at 2.30pm). Other talks and panel discussions will focus on the upcoming Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks producers and retailers with industry experts taking part in what will be a lively panel discussion. VisitScotland will explain how to maximise visitor experience; the latest initiatives for retailers on the Loves Local campaign will be presented; and successful packaging ideas and shop design will be described. A full schedule is available here: https://www.scotlandstradefairs.com/whats-on/talking-shop-seminar-timetable
Many exhibitors are new to the Show, demonstrating that creativity and innovation remains alive in Scotland. Toiletries are a hot seller with new companies such as Oir Soap, The Inkbalm, The Black Cat Soap House, West Byre Apothecary and Estia Soaps. Textiles, clothing and accessories is equally buoyant with exhibitors such as Agate & Ayre, Bill Baber Knitwear, Eribe Knitwear, Green Grove Weavers, Bluebell Gray and Sheila Fleet Jewellery.
Scotland’s food and drink is celebrated with producers large and small. Notably Orkney, and Food from Argyll, are hosting large regional stands, showcasing some of the finest food and drink, such as Island Smokery, Orkney Ice Cream and Stockan’s Oatcakes, and Isle of Mull Cheese, Tiree Tea, Tobermory Fish Company and Deer Island Distillers from the regions respectively.
The prestigious Best Product Awards, sponsored by the Giftware Association, for both gift and food, will be judged by industry and retail experts on the morning of Sun 22 Jan and then exhibited in special design cases.
Show Director Mark Saunders adds: “After a difficult few years, Scotland’s Trade Fair and Speciality Food Show is set to be the place for retailers to source, order, network and learn, to set them up for good year ahead. This Show offers many small businesses the opening to market, so is a vital date in the calendar for producers and retailers alike across Scotland.”
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