A HOST of Scottish food and drink producers will be showing off their wares at the Speciality & Fine Food Fair from 5–7 September at the Olympia Exhibition Centre in London.

Taking place during Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight, the trade show for local, regional and artisan food and drink producers will be the biggest yet, with over 550 exhibitors, more than half of whom are exhibiting for the first time.

As part of the Access to Markets programme, part funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the North’s businesses will be amongst those displaying their products at the Scotland Food and Drink Pavilion.

The themed ‘Scotland Land of Food and Drink’ area will showcase some of the country’s wonderful natural larder products and fantastic producers.

Exhibitors include premium fish producers, artisan cheese companies, bakeries and breweries all looking to attract new buyers.

Highlands and Islands family-run business Taste of Bute, which produces distinctive smoked meat, cheese and fish in their on-farm smokehouse, is attending.

Farmer Janet Hill said: “Having farmed beef and lamb for over 15 years we wanted to find a way to deliver quality, home-bred produce direct to our customers. We launched our Plan Farm Smokehouse range at Scotland’s Speciality Fair in January and, as well as winning a range of awards, we have had enormous interest from the Scottish marketplace. It is now time to take the next step and we are very excited about introducing London buyers to our island produce.”

Paul McLaughlin, chief executive of Scotland Food and Drink, said: “Scotland produces an abundance of high-quality, premium brands and products and the Speciality & Fine Foods Fair offers the opportunity to promote them. This year, Scotland Food & Drink has the second biggest area in the pavilion so we are expecting a real buzz surrounding the products being showcased.”

Chris Taylor, head of tourism, food and drink at HIE, said: “Speciality & Fine Food Fair offers ambitious businesses a very real opportunity to get into new markets and win more orders. It is fantastic to see the Highlands and Islands represented at events such as this in London, and others right across the world, by such high-quality businesses.

“HIE is delighted to be working with our industry partners, Scotland Food and Drink to make sure businesses right across our region get the most from this event.”