Scottish food and drink companies are invited to showcase their wares at the first ever large scale buyers event to be held in Dunblane in July.
Showcasing Scotland will bring together around 80 buyers from the UK and key export markets who are looking for Scottish products to enhance their existing offering.
Scottish companies and producers from areas such as dairy, red meat, drinks, bakery, premium grocery, seafood and salmon will be showcased to buyers over the two days.
The recently launched Scotland Food & Drink Export Plan has identified 15 key export markets and buyers from some of these markets will be targeted to attend.
Taking place on 21 and 22 July at Dunblane Hydro, the showcase is a partnership between Scotland Food & Drink and Scottish Development International (SDI), the international arm of Scotland’s economic development agencies.
Planners have said there are a limited number of places for companies wishing to participate. Selection will be based on their capability and ambition to grow their sales in the UK or internationally and each company selected will be required to complete up to two workshops to prepare them for the main event in July.
Successful companies will receive a guaranteed minimum of six introductory buyers meetings at the event.
Amanda Brown, industry development director at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “We have a wealth of amazing food and drink products in Scotland but it is not always easy to make connections with buyers. This event will provide suppliers with an opportunity to do just that but on a scale that hasn’t been delivered before.
“In 2014 all eyes will be on Scotland so there’s no better time for companies to make their mark on the global marketplace and we will be supporting participants to ensure they maximise the commercial benefits this landmark year brings.”
Susan Beattie, international sector head for Food and Drink at Scottish Development International, said: “We’re expecting to attract retail and foodservice buyers that represent the cream of the crop globally, spanning North America, South East Asia, Europe, Middle East, China, Japan and Hong Kong.
“The companies selected to meet the buyers need to be ready, willing and able to do business with them, which is why we’ve created a structured support programme for companies prior to the Showcasing Scotland event. I’d encourage every company with exporting ambitions to consider applying for a place.”