Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2021 highlights: Day 1

Queues around the block kicked off Speciality & Fine Food Fair as the event returned to Olympia London on 6 September after a two-year absence.  

“It's hard to believe it’s been two years since we brought the fine food and drink community together, and we’re so happy to be the sector’s first post-lockdown trade event” says Philippa Christer, Event Director. “We’re thrilled with the reception that this year’s Fair has had from the industry and the huge enthusiasm from buyers and producers alike.” 

Day One of the event has seen the trade show launch of companies such as Squished, snacks made from real fruit, and Boozy Boocha, shaking up the adult beverage industry with alcoholic kombucha, plus new product ranges such as gourmet gummies from SugarSin and all-natural sparkling drinks from TwelveBelow.  

Intenational flavours and produce had a big presence on Day One, in particular on the Fair Trade Lebanon Pavilion where Ambassador Rami Mortada, Deputy Head of Mission Counsellor Marwan Francis, 1st Secretary Rasha Haddad and 1st Secretary Oula Khodr were hosted by Economic Attaché Ralph Nehme. 

Nehme commented: “The Lebanese Pavilion is about tasting Lebanon through the flavours that we are displaying here. We have 25 companies: 10 wineries, a brewery, a gin-maker and a stand that is all about olive oil, preserved foods and nuts.  

“Wine is something that we’ve been doing for 3,000 years and we want to showcase that we have the right products and the heritage to prove it. This is an opportunity for buyers to discover new tastes and new flavours. 

“Lebanese products aren’t unfamiliar to the UK market; the culinary heritage has been in the UK for some time and behind the culinary heritage are the ingredients. We are here to showcase the ingredients behind our cuisine and our gastronomy, along with the richness and diversity of our culture.”  

Later in the day, the Fair’s annual Pitch Live event saw Margot & Montañez, supplier of artisan South-American alfajores and other sweet treats win the competition, securing six months mentoring with Virgin StartUp and a stand at next year’s event.  

Founder Jennifer Munson-Montañez commented: “With the support from Virgin StartUp I will be able to progress the product, craft in larger volumes and reach more people. It’s a big step and a big opportunity for me.”  

Day One concluded with an exclusive VIP keynote speech from Gail’s CEO Tom Molnar, who discussed the importance of product, people and place when it comes to running a successful business, and the passion of Gail’s employees during the pandemic. When given the choice of furlough or work, more than 1,000 employees decided to continue to come in.  

“People turned up and took a risk when they could’ve been home on 80 per cent,” Molnar said. “We have been reminded how important people are.” 

Day Two of the show will see sessions at the Food for Thought theatre on the future of food, farm retail trends, strengthening local partnerships and much more, concluding with the inaugural Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards, with the winners announced live at the Fair.  

Learn more and register to attend at specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk. 

Ends

Editors notes

Speciality & Fine Food Fair is an annual trade show celebrating independent, artisan and craft food & drink suppliers from across the UK and internationally. Each year the show attracts quality buyers from key sectors in the speciality and fine food industry, including key decision-makers from the worlds of retail, catering and wholesale. They have the chance to meet with new-to-market businesses in The Discovery Zone, discuss the latest speciality food trends on the Food for Thought Stage and explore an unparalleled collection of unique suppliers across the show floor.

New for the 2021 event is a dedicated Sustainability Zone at the show, which will showcase the truly innovative businesses putting environmental concerns front and centre in the creation, packaging and distribution of their products.

The show will take place 6-7 September 2021 at Olympia London.