ScotHot 2025 is into its last few weeks of preparations Before the doors open on Scotland’s largest exhibition for the food and drink sector. Delegates and exhibitors have just one month to secure their spot at the show, which saw over 7,500 visitors from the food, drink, hospitality, tourism and retail industries descend on the SEC last time around, in 2023.
Taking place from 26th – 27th February, ScotHot is Scotland’s only trade event that offers an unmissable opportunity for visitors to meet with suppliers, network with others to share ideas and inspiration, and learn about the latest trends from across the industry.
The full lineup for the show has now been announced, with Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, officially opening the show with an address at 10:30am on Wednesday 26th February.
The Spotlight Stage, run in partnership with the Scottish Tourism Alliance, will highlight the latest trends and innovations that shaping the sector’s future, with conversations onsustainability, maximizing profitability, entrepreneurship and the value to business of Michelin recognition.
Guest contributors include chefs Lorna McNee, Gary Maclean, Julie Lin and Dean Banks, Rebecca Brooks, Chair of the Scottish Tourism Alliance and UKinbound, and David Cochrane, CEO of HIT Scotland.
For the first time at the show, visitors will be able to head over to Buell Hospitality Advisory Hub, where they can take advantage of free advice from industry experts on all areas of business, from architecture and finance, to recruitment and technology. Appointments can be booked in advance, and some drop-in sessions will be available on the day.
Other highlights include the Scottish Culinary Championships incorporating the Scottish Chef of the Year competition, Culinary Arts, the Skills Arena and Live Theatre, as well as Liquid Academy Live and the Great Taste Market.
Finalists for ScotHot’s Innovation Awards, meanwhile, have now been announced, bringing together an elite list of new, innovative or creative products that make a genuine difference to businesses. Shortlisted names include Bealach Gin, Belhaven Smokehouse and Brose Oats, with Bespoke Fabrics, Hop Software and Thomsons Coffee Company taking spots in the equipment, design and technology shortlist.
Toby Wand, Managing Director of 365 Events, the team behind ScotHot25, said: ‘We have lined up another excellent schedule this year that covers all sectors of hospitality, food-and-drink, retail and tourism. Now is the time to book your spot and start planning what sessions to attend, exhibitors to chat to and products to try.’
Supported by industry partners including Scotland Food & Drink, the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA), Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), VisitScotland, Scottish Chefs, HIT Scotland, Scottish Wholesale Association, Scottish Bed & Breakfast Association and The Guild of Fine Food, ScotHot will feature 250 exhibitors at the SEC. Confirmed exhibitors include Instock, Brakes Scotland, DOJO, McCain, Panasonic, Smeg and Unox.
Visit www.scothot.co.uk to register.