Packaging Show Opens Doors for Fife Businesses

Fife Council Economic Development’s Trade Development Programme supports businesses to attend exhibitions and trade shows as an effective means of exploiting business opportunities to develop existing and new markets. Packaging Innovations 2019 was a success for its organisers, and for the Fife businesses that attended, it also measured up. The visit was supported by Fife Council Economic Development and brought together an eclectic mix of local businesses, to take part in the Learning Journey. The businesses (Pitreavie Group, FoodMek, Rumburra Scotland, Chastity Ltd, Smith Anderson and Freedom Unlimited) didn’t exhibit, but instead took the opportunity to network, attend seminars and gain further insight into innovation and development in the sector. In just one day, the group received a total of 23 enquiries, which are currently being followed up on. Andy Girvan, Group Purchasing Manager at Pitreavie Group, said: “The Learning Journey allowed Pitreavie Group to engage with potential new suppliers, network and see, first hand, the new innovative technologies and packaging solutions on the market. Following this we are now in the position to place our first orders, and hopefully begin a long-lasting relationship for the future.” Closer to home and supported by Fife Council’s Trade Development Programme and branded under Food from Fife, six local businesses travelled to Glasgow to take part in ScotHot, the Scottish hospitality and catering sector’s largest and most comprehensive trade event. The delegation reported extremely positive results following the two-day show, with almost 300 enquiries received by the businesses. These were generated primarily by exhibiting a range of delectable products, engaging with event attendees, as well as networking at educational talks and seminars. Producers and distributors of sparkling apple juice, Fior Fruits attended along with Puddledub, St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese, Great British Prawn Company, producers and processors of Scottish game meats, Woodmill Game and The Little Herb Farm. Trade development support is available for Fife companies wanting to attend exhibitions. For information, contact Dot Smith by email: dorothy.smith@fife.gov.uk.  Food from Fife is a not for profit company that was  established in 2010 to help the diverse local food and tourism businesses work better together to grow the overall industry in Fife.