Gift Focus - Jan/Feb 2019 (Issue 111)

Over the last nine years, the Farm Shop & Deli Show has built a reputation as an unmissable event for the speciality food and gifting sector. The show offers visitors the opportunity to meet with more than 450 suppliers encompassing core food categories from chocolate, hot drinks and olives to condiments, meat and preserves. As the show has developed, a growing and popular focus on other areas of the speciality market has evolved. Exhibitors representing categories including stationery, candles, furniture and home goods will be present, as well as companies offering equipment, labelling and packaging solutions. Consumer demand for artisan foods continues to increase, reflecting the concerns about sustainability and food provenance that are climbing in consumer consciousness. This is in line with the four biggest trends predicted at the show: gourmet food, low waste, healthy and allergen-free options and lesser-known cuts of meat. Consumers are also expected to start embracing seasonal produce, foraged food and products with strong marketing and sourcing stories behind them. Key suppliers at this year’s show include Beech’s Fine Chocolate; A Little Bit Good Company, which offers gluten-free and vegan ranges of dressings and condiments; Epicure, with its portfolio of more than 100 products from prepared fruits and vegetables to meat and fish; Boost Drinks showcasing protein, energy and sports drinks; and Fentimans with its award-winning beverages, hand- crafted using natural ingredients and a time- honoured botanical brewing technique. Most important for the gifting sector, the prominent gift brands appearing at the show include Apples to Pears, a Cotswold-based gift company known for its award-winning Gift in a Tin range; Jackson’s Greetings Card LTD, a family business supplying greetings cards, stationery, toys, party, gifting and seasonal products; The Scottish Bee Company, offering honey and beeswax products; and Anco Dog Treats, with its range of 100 per cent natural chews, biscuits, treats and foods. Farm Shop & Deli Show Live Farm Shop & Deli Live is gathering a wide range of industry leaders to speak on its stage. Bakers will want to see Cinnamon Square’s Paul Barker delivering a session on blending bread with botanicals and the innovative techniques that led him to victory at the British Baker’s Baking Industry Awards. Retailers with a strong drinks offer will be able to pick up tips and tricks from The Wine Tipster’s Neil Phillips and Anthony Johns, who will talk attendees through refreshing their alcohol offer and building customer loyalty. Christine Tacon, the Groceries Code Adjudicator, will be on hand to make sure every supplier knows everything about the Code, including how to benefit from it and when to speak up in what’s set to be a well- attended talk. The Farm Shop & Deli Show Awards Final With the awards increasing in popularity year- on-year, industry creatives will battle it out again for the prestigious titles awarded across regions and categories. Now in its sixth year, the Farm Shop & Deli Show Awards recognise the best independent retailers, celebrating the highest standards in the UK and Northern Ireland market. These long-awaited finals will be hosted by Nigel Barden, renowned food and drink broadcaster. The highly anticipated winners list will be announced live at the show on 8 th April. Farm Shop & Deli Show commercial director Mat Rose said: “The ongoing trend for artisan product, provenance and entrepreneurial innovation has not slowed down in recent years, and we are delighted to bring the Farm Shop & Deli Show back in 2019 to provide a platform for all the exciting companies and retailers who have devoted their careers to this sector. We will showcase the very best products that our country has to offer, providing invaluable inspiration for businesses in the UK and further afield and creating further drive for this revolutionary to continue its rapid and enthusiastic growth.” Attendees will have the advantage of networking with peers in an unrivalled capacity at this sector-specific show. For retailers stocking food already or considering starting, the show provides an excellent array of products to fit every space. Co-located with National Convenience Show, The Forecourt Show and the second instalment of The Ingredients Show, there is something for everyone at this year’s show. FOODIES DELIGHT Now in its ninth year, we bring you all you need to know about the Farm Shop & Deli Show IN BRIEF Show Farm Shop & Deli Show Organiser William Reed When 8 th -10 th April, 2019 Where NEC Birmingham Website farmshopanddelishow.co.uk Twitter @FarmShop_Deli For more information and to register for the show, visit the website farmshopanddelishow.co.uk giftfocus 73 Farm Shop & Deli Show