Scottish producers call for hospitality trade to Source Local

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND, December 24, 2010 (Press-News.org) Independent producers will unite at Scotland's largest hospitality show, ScotHot 2011, to urge hotels and restaurants to make the most of the nation's rich natural larder and source local.

The opening event for Scottish Tourism Week which commences 28 February 2011, ScotHot is Scotland's largest trade show for the hospitality sector with over 8,000 representatives from across the sector visiting hundreds of exhibitors. For the first time, Scotland Food & Drink and East Lothian Food & Drink will be showcasing some of the best of the nation's produce from established brands such as Walkers Shortbread, Deeside Smokehouse and Stoats Porridge Bars to small family businesses and artisan producers including Summer Harvest Oils and Galloway Lodge Preserves.

This collaboration between producers reflects the growing importance and demand from visitors to Scotland who want to experience the 'real Scotland', reputed as a Land of Food and Drink. Recent research published by Tourism Intelligence Scotland found that people would be happy to spend an average of seven percent more on food and drink when they visit businesses with an authentic Scottish food offering based on quality local produce. This would be a real boost to the GBP800 million each year overnight visitors currently spend on food and drink when they visit, second only to spend on accommodation.

Fiona Richmond, Access to Markets Foodservice Executive, Scotland Food & Drink, commented: "Our cafes, hotels and restaurants have an essential role to play in promoting the provenance and authenticity of our food and drink.

"Working and exhibiting together at ScotHot gives these smaller producers the opportunity to get their products in front of the industries' key decision-makers and buyers, in addition to providing a united front that highlights the wide variety and quality of products available on our doorstep."

George Tsangari, ScotHot's Event Director commented: "This is the first time Scotland Food & Drink and East Lothian Food & Drink have taken stands at the show. The response and support from exhibiting producers has been fantastic. The food and drink offering at ScotHot has always been popular with visitors, but this year it will really surpass all expectations."

Other Scottish producers exhibiting include Braehead Foods; the collaborative venture Taste of Arran; Belhaven Fruit Farm; Loch Lomond Fine Foods; Nairns Oatcakes and family butcher, Ramsay of Carluke.

Mark Bush of Summer Harvest Oils commented: "This exhibition allows chefs and producers to meet to discuss the fantastic rich and full larder we have in Scotland. Developing working relationships between Scottish producers and chefs can only be of benefit to both parties and ultimately leads to attracting more visitors to sample our great Scottish larder.

"The climate and geography of Scotland help to produce outstanding produce which can be used by chefs to help attract visitors from around the world".

ScotHot 2011 will also extend the message of sourcing local to all aspects of the hospitality sector beyond the traditional perception of food and drink. For the first time in the event's 37 year history, a new Source Local Pavilion will promote a wide variety of businesses and services from around Scotland. Source Local exhibitors will range from Purdie's Scottish Soap Company to mystery shopping agency ASI Outsourcing and Cunninghams CRS, a husband and wife team who specialise in handmade pastry and baking moulds.

The goal for ScotHot is to ensure it reflects the most inspirational, innovative, exciting, educational and entertaining elements of the Scottish hospitality sector. Promoting future talent, championing sustainability and giving straightforward, practical advice during these challenging economic times remains at the heart of what ScotHot stands for.

Held every two years, ScotHot provides a hub where the industry comes to discuss and learn about emerging trends, meet new and existing suppliers and to network with their peers.

ScotHot will take place 28 February - 2 March 2011 at the Glasgow SECC. Open to all individuals and businesses within the hospitality sector, registration is free. Visit http://www.scothot.co.uk

For further information and to register for FREE visit: http://www.scothot.co.uk
To be kept updated on news follow ScotHot: twitter.com/ScotHot2011

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