29 July 2009, 18:42 PM
  • More than one third of exhibitors at Speciality & Fine Food Fair this year will be brand new. In an unprecedented move, which seemingly defies the credit crunch, a whole host of businesses from across the speciality, local and regional artisan food industries will be showcasing their high quality produce for the first time – and joining in the celebrations for the event’s 10th Birthday – at Olympia in London, on 6 – 8 September 2009.

Among those companies taking the plunge this year are traditional chutney and jam company, Auntie Val’s, speciality tea producer, Devonshire Tea and award-winning artisan food company, Ouse Valley Foods. Chilled pasta sauce and salsa producer, The Little Sauce company, The Original Cake Company, Solleys Farms Ice Cream Ltd and sour cherry specialists, Supercherry will also be taking to the floor for the first time this year.

Event Director, Paul MacDonald is delighted with the interest from so many first-time exhibitors and commented: “Having so many new companies exhibiting at the show this year is fantastic. It is essential that exhibitions maintain a certain fluidity. They need to be both fresh and progressive. Without those elements, there is nothing to keep visitors coming back for more. And nowhere is that more important than in this industry, where creativity and differentiation are so key.

“It’s also great to see that so many different companies are recognising the multiple values of exhibitions and investing in the show as a means of developing their business. We hope that, by bringing in so many new faces, we will be able to satisfy the diverse requirements of our visitor base.”

In 2008 Speciality & Fine Food Fair attracted 7,851 key buyers from retail, foodservice, wholesale and distribution, all looking to source new products, gain inspiration and add a point of difference to their business. And this year looks set to be equally successful.

Visitors can expect all the key features that make Speciality & Fine Food Fair so important in the food calendar, including The Speciality Chocolate Fair, the Fine Food Forum, the Small Business Forum and a whole lot more besides. This year’s show will also provide the first opportunity for the industry to see the newly crowned Great Taste Award winners and the range of quality produce that was voted the best of the its kind.

The Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2009 is taking place between 6 – 8 September at Olympia in London. Register for your FREE visitor badge and get full event details at www.specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk.

For details on exhibiting at the show, contact Soraya Gad el Rab on 020 7886 3057.