Scotland’s leading showcase for food, drink, hospitality, retail, and tourism, is returning to Glasgow this year from 8-9 March, taking up residency once again in the SEC following a four-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic, and this year it is expected to welcome an estimated 7,000 visitors through the door over the two-day event.
Now in its 50th year, ScotHot23 offers an unmissable opportunity for guests to meet with suppliers, share ideas and inspiration, and learn about the latest trends from some of the biggest names across the industry.
With over 200 exhibitors from the food and drink, technology, catering equipment, tableware and design and many more industries to be showcased over the two days, ScotHot23 will fill the SEC with brands like Alliance Scotland, Braehead Foods, Benholm, Brakes, Compass Scotland, InStock, Lynas Foodservice, WRS Systems, Nespresso, Panasonic, Elite Contract Furniture and Welbilt, to name just a few.
ScotHot23’s program is filled with exciting discussions, live demonstrations, and celebrations of those in the industry. Can’t-miss features of the show include the STA Spotlight Stage, the Scottish Culinary Championships, Liquid Academy Live, ScotHot’s Innovation Awards, and Staff Canteen Live. Guests will have a chance to sample and chat with producers at Scottish Regional Foods, Great Taste Market, Plant-based dishes, The Artisan Pavillion and ScotHot’s 50 Rising Stars.
There’s plenty to discuss this year as two years of pandemic have forced major introspection into what the future may look like for the industry – The STA Spotlight Stage in association with Scottish Tourism Alliance will attempt to answer these questions with key industry figures as they debate issues affecting hospitality and tourism in Scotland.
ScotHot will also host the Scottish Chef of the Year competition, sponsored by Lomond Foods, which will take over the Live Theatre on the show’s second day to once again challenge and celebrate chefs from across Scotland.
Headed up by Chef Neil Thomson and the incredibly talented judging team, all the action will take place in the Live Theatre and Skills Arena – with the Culinary Art competitions to surely be a showstopper as chefs create true works of art from edible ingredients. The riveting three-hour competition requires chefs to prepare a four-course meal judged on presentation, seasonality, balance, and creativity of menus alongside other factors.
The competition’s finalists were carefully selected from hundreds of recipe and photo entries, with eight chefs from across the country chosen to take part in the live competition.
In addition to the esteem from the prestigious competition, the winning chef is set to receive a prize of £1,500.
The dedicated drinks feature Liquid Academy Live will take guests on a journey to discover delicious spirits. Hear from wine experts about their favourite grapes, little known craft beers and new non-alcoholic alternatives. Surrounding the Liquid Academy Live theatre is the drinks area the NEW Gantry Bar where you can discover hot new producers and taste new products from market leaders.
Since 2019’s show there has been many new products launched within the market. Many of these will be showcased at ScotHot as part of the Innovation Awards showcase. Exhibitors had the chance to enter their most innovative products within either the Food and Drink or Equipment, Design and Technology categories. These entrants will be judged by an independent panel of experts. Judges are looking for all-around excellence and products that demonstrate true innovation in response to new industry challenges.
As many of these new products will be on the floor at ScotHot this year, guests will have a chance to judge them for themselves – with the opportunity to vote for their favourite in each category through the new ScotHot event app.
Back for a third year, the amazing team at The Staff Canteen will once again interview the hottest Scottish Chefs as they cook live – with Michelin-starred heavyweights like Tom Kitchin, Graeme Cheevers, Adam Handling, Stuart Ralston and more taking the stage. Those lucky enough to grab a front row seat will be able to taste some of the delicious dishes that have made these chefs famous.
Another great chance to sample some delicious food at ScotHot23 is the Great Taste Market, presented by The Guild of Fine Food and featuring award-winning products from around the UK. Scottish Regional Foods also allows guests to come along and taste some amazing local produce and see what each region of Scotland has to offer, from the succulent seafoods of the islands, to beef from the Borders. For guests whose menu features vegan and plant-based dishes, The Plant Based Market is a great opportunity to get inspiration and taste new products from a selection of producers who are leading the explosive movement.
One of the most glamorous events of the showcase will be ScotHot’s 50 Rising Stars which aims to highlight some of the industry’s most talented newcomers, celebrating industry upcomers in food and drink, hospitality, retail and tourism. Nominations have been flooding in from colleagues, friends, employees, and role models from around Scotland and England for those making a mark with less than 10 years of experience in their field. Each of the five categories will be made up of 10 nominees to form the 50 List, with those shortlisted taking their place on the wall of fame at ScotHot23 in Glasgow. The final ScotHot’s 50 Rising Stars list will be decided by a panel of judges including Toby Wand, Managing Director of the 365 Events team behind ScotHot23, and David Cochrane, Chief Executive of Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland.
For the 2023 show, ScotHot has enlisted the support of some of the country’s finest tourism and hospitality professionals to join as respected ambassadors. These influential individuals bring their passion, knowledge, and skill to the show and will be contributing their voice to some of the most important conversations we’re having this year. ScotHot23’s ambassadors include; Jane Milton, Food Industry Expert, Neil Thomson, Chief Executive, Scottish Chefs, Graeme Cheevers, Chef Patron, UNALOME, Giovanna Eusebi, Owner, Eusebi Deli, Stephen Jardine, Broadcaster, Paul Trainer, Editor, Glasgowist & The Herald’s Best of Scotland Magazine and Cate Devine, Freelance Food & Drink writer.
With all the opportunities for connection, inspiration and innovation supported by major partners including VisitScotland, Scotland Food & Drink, Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA), The Scottish Chefs, The Staff Canteen, The Caterer and Drink Think – ScotHot23 is not to miss.
