Dunns Food and Drink is to host its annual trade show next month in Glasgow and managing director Jim Rowan is predicting the industry is gearing up for a big Christmas despite economic challenges.
Rowan believes demand for dining and drinking out during the festive season will remain steady year-on-year, with industry data suggesting consumer behaviour will at least match Christmas 2022, which was bolstered by the one-off winter football World Cup and a ‘post-lockdown bounce’.
He said: “Challenging economic conditions and the cost-of-living crisis have had an impact on household budgets. However, early indications suggest consumers still plan to enjoy the festive season, which is great news for the industry.
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“All the signs point to a busy Christmas 2023 in Scotland’s hospitality sector, and our suppliers and customers are already preparing for it. We know our customers are pulling out all the stops to ensure this festive period is a bumper one, with impressive menus, cocktail lists, and offers to encourage the public to make the most of the season.
Major brands and producers including Unilever, Remy Cointreau, and Innis & Gunn, will be in attendance at this year’s trade market – which has a Christmas Market theme – as well as Scottish producers such as Brewgooder, Mackies, Loch Lomond Group, and Vault City.
Rowan added: “The interest in this year’s festive themed trade show has been very strong and provides a clear indication that Scotland’s food, drink, and hospitality industries expect to do great business this Christmas.
“We have hundreds of representatives from major national international brands to local suppliers – all of whom contribute to the success of the industry. This year’s event will provide insight into what will be big this festive season and into the new year, as well as showcasing all the incredible produce that comes from Scotland’s rich network of suppliers and producers.”
