An Unmissable Day of Discovery – Five Reasons to Register for Speciality & Fine Food Fair

The countdown is underway for this year’s special 20th anniversary edition of Speciality & Fine Food Fair. As the leading showcase for the industry’s artisan producers, 2019 promises some unmissable highlights - making this an essential diary date.

1. Find your next best sellers

At the heart of the Fair is an impressive line-up of 700 exhibitors. From a plethora of International pavilions, the freshest start-ups from the vibrant Discovery Zone which showcases businesses under 3 years old to the hugely successful Drinks Cabinet - exciting new products are the life blood of the industry. This is an unparalleled opportunity to seek out and sample the best in the speciality sector.

In the know: Steve Walpole, Chef Consultant; “You find little gems that are on the start of their journey and have something new to offer which is increasingly difficult these days.”

2. Discover the latest trends

Identifying and responding to emerging trends can have a significant impact on your business. The Fair provides the perfect environment to seek out the next generation of innovators. Its also an opportunity to consider how developments in the industry will translate into the mainstream and decide whether they’ll be relevant to your customers.

Products that are classified as either free from, organic or health related, combine to make up the biggest single group on the SFFF website with 68 exhibitors representing 9.7% overall. Companies offering vegan and vegetarian alternatives make up 7%. Within the Discovery Zone, which showcases start up brands under three years old, the percentages are even higher. With free from, organic and health products accounting for 22% of exhibitors and plant-based alternatives making up 16%.

In the know: Selfridges buyer and SFFF Ambassador, Adrian Boswell predicts; “Key drivers remain sustainability, plant based, ethically sourced, protein and gifting.”

3. Professional development

We operate in a rapidly evolving industry; keep abreast of the latest advances by attending Speciality & Fine Food Fair’s packed programme of panel discussions and presentations from leading experts on the Food for Thought Stage. The ever-popular cookery demonstration stage Savour the Flavour returns to reveal how new ingredients can create the WOW-factor in the kitchen.

4. Build meaningful relationships

With over 10,000 visitors not to mention producers, exhibitors, speakers and VIPs the Fair is a brilliant environment to reach out and make connections with existing or potential new partners and customers. Share your details when registering to find and interact with like-minded brands during the show.

What's your favourite aspect of the Fair?

In the know: Author, campaigner and Cotswold Fayre CEO, Paul Hargreaves; “Probably for me, having exhibited for all 20 years of the show, my favourite element is catching up with others in the industry every year.”

Also meet newly launched plant-based company, Brook Vegan Foods who have announced its new brand ambassador, TV presenter Jasmine Harman. Meet Jasmine on Sunday 1st September to find out what’s made her get behind the brand and promote plant-based living.

5.Happy Hour!

No birthday is a complete without a celebration. The Fair commemorates two decades of exceptional fine food & drink. Situated on the ground floor, the 20th Anniversary stand will include a large interactive picture wall for posting polaroid’s with your peers! You’ll also be invited to suggest who you think is set to be the best big innovator under your picture. As the Fair goes on, the wall will forecast the shape of the market to come, as suggest by industry leaders.