RHASS LAUNCH MAJOR NEW FOOD & DRINK EVENT
The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) has announced details of a major new food & drink exhibition to take place from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th September 2014 in Edinburgh.
Entitled, Eat, Drink, Discover Scotland, the event aims to provide a single showcase of Scotland’s excellence in food and drink, bring to life the rich diversity of regional foods and provide an opportunity for smaller rural and regional food producers to share centre-stage with more established brands.
Taking place at The Royal Highland Centre, Saturday and Sunday will have a distinct consumer flavour with a strong retail offering enhanced with chef master classes, a food theatre and creative educational experiences for children delivered by RHASS’ educational charity, The Royal Highland Education Trust.
Friday’s focus will be ‘trade day’ with a specific remit to engender business collaboration, create up-skilling opportunities and initiate ‘meet-the-buyer’ sessions.
Allan Murray, RHASS’ Chairman explained the rationale for the new event: “Eat, Drink, Discover Scotland” is part of the Society’s broader strategy to support rural Scotland. Building on the success of the Royal Highland Show’s Food Hall, this national event, with strong regional focuses, will provide a compelling case for celebrating Scotland’s food culture.”
Welcomed by Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Eat, Drink, Discover Scotland, is expected to deliver over £1million to the Scottish economy in its first year.
Mr Lochhead said: “Scotland’s fantastic natural larder is a huge selling point to people both at home and abroad. This unique event will allow producers from all over Scotland to showcase the superb food and drink their area is famous for and demonstrate the array of Scottish delicacies.”
Spearheading the event delivery is RHASS’ Chief Executive, Stephen Hutt. Mr Hutt added: ”Our overarching vision for Eat, Drink, Discover Scotland is to create a national platform to allow food and drink businesses to succeed. By connecting consumers with producers and facilitating strategic conversations with industry players, the Society is creating real opportunities for fledgling businesses which make up 75% of Scottish Food & Drink industry.”
Eat, Drink, Discover Scotland is being backed by significant marketing spend including design, digital, PR and social media marketing. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
For further press information contact Judith O’Leary or Jennifer Ward at O’Leary PR on 01383 432608 / 07825 304408.