The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Gleneagles: Michelin stars win and food and drink ‘speeddating’.
exports: Event at Gleneagles will be attended by buyers from around globe
Scotland’s food and drink producers will have a chance to pitch their products to key buyers from around the world at a “speed dating-style” event in Perthshire.
Regarded as the most important date in the food and drink calendar, Showcasing Scotland gives producers a chance to meet 150 global buyers from 18 countries who will descend on Gleneagles on October 3 and 4.
Perth and Kinross Council is sponsoring the event which has previously proven to significantly further the reach and impact of Scotland’s food and drink sector.
In 2015 it attracted more than 130 buyers from around the world to meet with 100 Scottish producers, holding more than 1,200 meetings in 48 hours.
Over the two days, new business opportunities worth £33 million were identified by companies across a diverse range of sectors.
Leader of Perth and Kinross Council, Councillor Ian Campbell, said the opportunities for local producers to break into new export markets was immense.
He added: “This is an excellent opportunity for producers from across Perth and Kinross to showcase the quality of local food and drink.
“This area has a reputation for excellence when it comes to high-quality local produce.”
“I’m delighted that Showcasing Scotland will shine a spotlight on everything that Perth and Kinross has to offer.”
James Withers, chief executive of Scotland Food and Drink, said: “Showcasing Scotland is the most important trade event in our industry’s calendar.
“It is a truly unique and outstanding opportunity for a number of our most innovative, established and emerging food and drink manufacturers.
“Based on previous years, this year looks set to continue the momentum for our industry and the scale now truly reflects our ambition to more than double the size of our sector to £30 billion by 2030.”
The buyers will be invited to participate in a full programme of events, including a drinks reception, gala dinner and various visits.
This is an excellent opportunity for producers from across Perth and Kinross to showcase the quality of local food and drink. COUNCIL LEADER IAN CAMPBELL