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Gama spoke to Nicola Woods, Event Manager, ahead of the latest edition of Speciality & Fine Food Fair.
What are your expectations for this year’s Speciality & Fine Food Fair? How will you be celebrating the landmark 25th edition?
We’re really excited for this year’s event! It’s amazing to think how the speciality food & drink industry has evolved since 1999 and this year we’ll be celebrating both that incredible past and the industry’s bright future.
In June we’ll be launching two new initiatives ahead of the Fair in September. Our 25th anniversary documentary will be taking some of the Fair’s most important ambassadors, partners and advocates and asking them to reflect on the past 25 years.
Plus, our new Rising Stars initiative will be celebrating 25 up-and-coming food & drink founders who are blazing a trail, inspiring their peers and developing fantastic brands.
Not to mention, there are a wide range of new features, opportunities and experiences to enjoy at this year’s event.
Read this Look Ahead in the latest issue of Gama News
Amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures, how will artisan food and drink brands be primed to succeed in 2024/2025?
Artisan food & drink has an incredibly important role to play amidst the cost-of-living crisis, as do independent retailers, delis and farm shops. When consumers are looking for a treat, an opportunity to try something new or a brand with strong sustainability credentials and quality ingredients, this is where our industry comes into its own.
Slightly higher RRP needs to be balanced with authentic messaging, transparent product provenance and a strong commitment to people and planet. Plus, of course, great taste needs to be at the heart of a successful artisan product.
We’d advise working closely with retailers to ensure their teams know recommended pairings and understand what makes the product unique.
What are the key success factors in launching a premium food or drink brand to market in the current climate?
Premium, chef-made ready meals are a growing presence in the food & drink space, part of an exciting period of growth and changing consumer perceptions for the frozen food market.
The fermented food & drink market is continuing to evolve and meet the needs of health-conscious consumers, with continued popularity of products such as kimchi, kombucha, miso and tempeh.
RTD cocktails and canned wine continue to disrupt the drinks market with convenient and great-tasting products perfect for summer picnics and BBQs, it’ll be interesting to follow the development of this trend over summer 2024.
About Speciality & Fine Food Fair
Over the last 25 years Speciality & Fine Food Fair has built up a rich heritage and has become the home of fine food & drink discovery for buyers from across the retail, hospitality, foodservice, manufacturing, import & export, and wholesale sectors. Whether you’re looking for product inspiration for your business, or you’d like to learn the latest trends and insights from top industry experts, then we’re confident you’ll uncover the ideas you’re searching for at the Fair.
specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk
