INDEPENDENT, artisan suppliers are being offered the chance to grow their business at Hopetoun House.

A new farm shop is being launched at the historic house near South Queensferry and organisers are to hold a Meet the Buyer event in the search for suppliers, including producers of fresh and packed fish.

The Retailer Ltd has been commissioned by Hopetoun House to open this farm shop, which aspires to be a showpiece for the very best produce from the estate and across Scotland. The shop, with 2300sqft of retail floor space, aims to have a significant impact.

Hopetoun House's new shop will feature food and drink from around Scotland that has been recognised as the finest either by winning one of the major quality prizes or by recommendation by its peers.

The Retailer Ltd is particularly looking for independent, artisan suppliers providing excellent quality, premium and award-winning products across various categories including:

• Fresh & packed fish

• Deli items – meats, oils, honey, etc.

• Fruit & veg – packed and loose

• Fresh & cooked meats (note that while much of the butchery product will be sourced from the estate, specialist butchery items are still sought)

• Gourmet pies

• Baked goods – bread, cakes, biscuits

• Dairy – cheese, milk, yoghurt, cream

• Preserves, pickles, condiments

• Confectionery – chocolates

• Alcoholic drinks – wine, spirits, beers

• Soft drinks – water, tea, coffee

The Meet the Buyer event will take place on Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th October at Hopetoun House, starting at 9.30am.

The Retailer Ltd is offering a unique package for the successful suppliers: it will not display multiple brands of each product, and will offer a one-year exclusive contract during which time the team will work with suppliers to maximise product sales.

Companies will be required to submit an application form for consideration by The Retailer Ltd. Successful applicants will be given a one-to-one slot to present their products, in either the morning or the afternoon, with representatives of the senior team.

Companies that are successfully listed as a result of the Meet the Buyer event will then be invited to attend a tasting event at the site towards the end of November.

The event costs £50 + VAT/credits for members of Scotland Food & Drink and £100 + VAT for non-members. For further information and an application form please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The closing date for applications is 15 October 2010.