At a time when the drinks sector is facing unprecedented challenges due to the Deposit Return Scheme, the rising price of raw materials and high energy costs, over 3000 people representing drinks businesses and the retail and hospitality trade have gathered in Glasgow today (Wednesday) for the start of the two-day In Drinks trade show and conference.
Over 40 speakers will participate in a busy conference line up on the Main Stage, sponsored by Scotland Food and Drink. The opening session is an update from Circularity Scotland on the deposit return scheme, delivered by Simon Jones, chief operating officer, and a keynote debate on Thursday tackles the Scottish Government’s Alcohol in Marketing Consultation which deadlines for submissions on the same day. Speakers representing the law, sport, marketing and events sectors, will debate the next steps in the proposals which have been likened to prohibition.
Adam Hardie, Head of Food and Drink at Johnston Carmichael and sponsor of the show, commented, “The In Drinks trade show is vitally important as we try to unite and engage an industry facing real challenges in a very uncertain business environment. We are looking forward to helping drinks businesses progress with their ambitions, promote their products and ultimately help these businesses secure some deals with new suppliers. In Drinks couldn’t have come at a better time.”
60 Exhibitors will be presenting their latest products at the show including beers, wines, spirits and the fast growing low and no alcohol sector, to an audience of retailers and hospitality buyers. Among other features is a business start-up competition, In Drinks Catalyst. Nine drinks businesses which have reached the finals of the competition will pitch their business ideas to the audience before a judging panel which includes Annabel Thomas, the founder of Nc’Nean Whisky and Paul Miller, the founder of Eden Mill.
In Drinks is open to trade and media visitors only and takes place between 10am and 5pm on Wednesday 8 March and Thursday 9 March 2023 at the SEC, Glasgow.
