What's on the menu at ScotHot?

It's time to register for Scotland's biennial celebration of food and drink with a showcase of skills and producers

Scotland's leading showcase for food, drink, hospitality, retail and tourism is returning to Glasgow from 8-9 March, taking up residency once again in the SEC following a four-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic. This year an estimated 7,000 visitors will come through the doors 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 Unox, Modern Standard Coffee, Miami Foods, Vegware, MCFT, Loop Recyling, Myth Drinks, Gordon Castle, the Buffalo Farm, Giacopazzi Ice Cream, Open Table, BV Dairy, Mechline, Irish Black Butter, Mattison Contract Beds, Brakes, Alliance Scotland, Lynas, J Browns, Craft Butches, Braehead Foods and Capital Power Clean, to name just a few.

Live debates

ScotHot23's programme 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 Pavilion 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, sponsored by Sodexo Live 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 34th Scottish Culinary Championships, sponsored by Compass Scotland, which will once again challenge and celebrate chefs from across Scotland and the North. Headed up by Scottish Chefs CEO, 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 be a showstopper as chefs create true works of art from edible ingredients.

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 and the new Gantry Bar, where you can discover hot new producers and taste new products from market leaders.

Market innovations

Since 2019's show there have been many new products launched within the market. Many of these will be showcased at ScotHot as part of the Innovation Awards showcase. Guests will be able to test out the shortlisted entries in the Equipment, Design and Technology category, and sample the shortlisted entries in our Food and Drink category – with the opportunity to vote for their favourite in each category too through the new ScotHot event app.

Back for a third year, the team at the Staff Canteen will once again interview the hottest Scottish Chefs as they cook live – with Michelin-star 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 get a bird's eye view and the opportunity 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.

Fifty to watch

One of the most glamorous events of the showcase will be ScotHot's 50 Rising Stars, sponsored by Xpressjobs 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, CEO, 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 and 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 be to missed, book in for the dates 8-9 March 2023.

Go to www.scothot.co.uk for more information