First with the finest: Speciality & Fine Food Fair

Sample the premium food and drink products on the market at the Speciality & Fine Food Fair this September – spiced up with a generous helping of education and inspiration

For the past two decades the Speciality & Fine Food Fair has been a showcase for speciality and premium products, inspirational ideas and industry insight covering all aspects of the foodservice and manufacturing sectors. This year is the fair’s 20th anniversary edition at Olympia, London, from 1-3 September 2019.

There is an impressive line-up of more than 700 premium food and drink producers. Disrupter brands and more established names will be revealing their latest product launches, giving visitors the opportunity to identify emerging trends set to shape menus.

The Food for Thought speaker programme will feature successful entrepreneurs and industry experts ready to share their experiences and predictions for the sector.

Exploring the hot topic of sustainability will be Aisling Hayes, sustainability consultant at the Sustainable Restaurant Association; Paul Hargreaves, chief executive of Cotswold Fayre; and Jonathan Spiers, head chef at South Lodge hotel and spa. There is a session on the fight to reduce food waste, in partnership with City Harvest London, at midday on Sunday 1 September.

Other topics will include customisation, plant-based food, fermentation, and ‘Made in Great Britain’.

Hosted by chef Steve Walpole, joined by industry-leading chefs and specialists, a Savour the Flavour live demonstration kitchen will be creating dishes inspired by products from the show. Sessions include Decreasing Food Waste and Top Artisan Picks From Around the Fair, while the Guild of Fine Food will introduce the Academy of Cheese certification programme for tips on how to taste cheese like a pro.

Speciality & Fine Food Fair’s portfolio director Soraya Gadelrab says: “The food- service sector is so dynamic and ever changing. Kitchens are so vibrant. It’s all about the taste and visual appeal of dishes so we’re delighted to translate this directly at the fair through the live demo kitchen.

“Knowledge is power, and the Food for Thought programme offers an unrivalled insight into the latest trends set to influence menus, from fine to casual dining. Along with a vast array of producers and networking platforms, it makes the fair a must-visit.”

Reflecting the continuing success of the booming drinks market, the Drinks Cabinet returns for a second year. From luxury small and large batch spirits, ales, beers, ciders and wines, as well as the burgeoning low- and no- mixers and soft drinks sectors, the zone offers the opportunity to meet with mixologists and explore food and drink pairings.

Product picks

Drop in at LA Brewery (stand 1220c), which is launching low-sugar alternative citrus hops, and fledging premium craft brewery Malt Coast Brewery (stand 3402). Belgrove Hazelnut Rum (stand 3008) will be offering samples of its single-origin, all-natural, Demerara rum, made from sugar cane grown on the banks of the Demerara River in Guyana.

Reflecting the continuing significant influence of international flavours on menus, the fair is welcoming new pavilions for producers from Belgium, Mexico and Korea alongside long-time favourites from France, Italy, Spain and many more. Holy Cow (stand 1120a) will be offering samples of its curry sauces in a new 1kg format. Terra Rossa (stand 3120) will be showcasing its new aubergine and tomato relish.

The Discovery Zone lets visitors find trend-led and forward-thinking brands created in the past three years. Whether it’s antipasti, oils and seasonings, charcuterie and cheese, condiments and sauces, dairy and dairy alternatives, fish and seafood, or bakery ingredients and chocolate, the fair will serve up every ingredient you’ll ever need for menu development.

Discover new ethical brand Grecious (stand 4527), which specialises in sourcing and developing Greek artisanal and natural products, including tahini and Greek raw honey. Rose Ash Foods (stand 4822) imports organic single-ingredient products from around the world; it is the exclusive supplier of Qadisha Valley organic olive oil from Lebanon.

This year, Speciality & Fine Food Fair celebrates its rich heritage and the sector’s even brighter future, through ongoing partnerships with the Guild of Fine Food. It also welcomes English Heritage as a collaborator for the first time.

##Where and when

Registration for the Speciality & Fine Food Fair is now open. For further details and to register, go to www.specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk.

Where Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, London W14 8UX

When Sunday 1 September 10am-5.30pm

Monday 2 September 9.30am-5pm

Tuesday 3 September 9.30am-5pm