Successful Launch of Showcasing Scotland UK in Glasgow

Over 75 of Scotland’s premier food and drink producers united in Glasgow on May 14 for the inaugural Showcasing Scotland UK. This impactful one-day event facilitated hundreds of business-to-business meetings with influential buyers across the UK.

An Engaging Venue for Dynamic Networking

Hosted at the DoubleTree by Hilton, the event was orchestrated by Scotland Food & Drink on behalf of the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership. The event featured a uniquely tailored mix of suppliers and buyers engaging in a fast-paced ‘speed-dating’ format. The previous evening included a relaxed networking dinner, perfectly setting the stage for a day filled with commercial opportunities.

Unlocking Growth Potential

This first-ever UK-focused event built on the global success of previous Showcasing Scotland formats, aiming to tap into a forecasted £1 billion growth opportunity identified in the national industry strategy, Sustaining Scotland. Supplying the World.

Diverse Connections Across the Industry

From retailers and wholesalers to chefs, hoteliers, and online operators, attendees had the chance to connect with a broad spectrum of SALSA and BRC-accredited Scottish brands. The event sparked high-value discussions and promising leads, reflecting a growing demand for premium Scottish provenance-led products.

Positive Feedback and Future Projections

Feedback from participants highlighted the event’s success, with 80% expressing increased optimism regarding their growth prospects compared to the previous year. Some companies even forecasted potential sales of up to £200,000 as a direct result of the Showcasing Scotland UK event.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Stephanie Pritchard, Head of Customer Relations & Markets at Scotland Food & Drink, remarked:

“Showcasing Scotland UK was designed to showcase the full strength and diversity of Scottish food and drink before the UK’s most influential buyers – and it delivered. We witnessed strong commercial conversations, new partnerships emerging, and a marked enthusiasm for products rooted in quality, sustainability, and provenance. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, indicating that this event has created real growth opportunities across the sector.”

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, also expressed her enthusiasm:

“I was absolutely delighted to welcome such a vibrant gathering of producers and buyers to the Showcasing Scotland UK event in Glasgow. Our food and drink industry is vital to Scotland’s economy, and it was fantastic to see our producers showcasing the country’s best offerings so effectively. This new phase of the ‘Showcasing’ series presents an excellent platform to promote Scotland’s reputation for high-quality food and drink in the wider UK market.”

Looking Ahead

The event is a part of a broader calendar of Showcasing Scotland activities, which will include regional events throughout the country between January and April 2025. These events aim to highlight Scotland’s exceptional food and drink, champion regional producers, and foster tangible business outcomes.