Shetland Food Fair to open with NorthLink-sponsored Event

Friday 2nd October 2015

Shetland Food Fair, Shetland’s annual event dedicated to all that’s great about locally-produced food and drink, is announcing its first sponsorship partnership with NorthLink Ferries. The deal sees NorthLink Ferries sponsor, for the first time, the Food Fair’s opening night which, this year, will be on Friday 30th October 2015. The Food Fair runs for three days, ending on Sunday 1st November.

Rhanna Turberville, Lerwick Brewery Manager and Chair of the Food Fair Organising Committee, says: “The opening night gives everyone the chance to take a sneak peek at what’s launching at the Food Fair. Many people come on the Friday and make repeat visits throughout the weekend. We wanted to make the opening night extra-special this year – for it to be a real celebration of some of the best food and drink that Shetland has to offer. As an active supporter of Shetland food and drink, NorthLink Ferries is the perfect partner to help make this happen and we are delighted that they have come on board as a sponsor.”

Peter Hutchinson, Customer Service Director, Serco NorthLink Ferries, says: “Shetland has a wonderful selection of first class producers and a fast-growing food and drink sector. For some time, NorthLink Ferries has been committed to using more local produce from right across the Northern Isles, particularly local items to sell in our on-board shops, bars and restaurants and we continue to grow our range. Considering this commitment to the sector, sponsoring the opening night of the Food Fair is a perfect partnership for us and we are thrilled to be involved in such an exciting event.”

Shetland Food Fair 2015 will feature a range of new product launches, with producers showcasing new products for the first time. Producers already confirmed to attend include The Shetland Distillery Company, Shetland Farm Dairies, Frankie’s Fish & Chips, Skibhoul Bakery, Scoop Wholefoods, Artisan Island Cheese, Shetlandeli, Vidlin Pies, Liz’s Homebakes, Gateside Pork, Emma Louise’s The Coffee Shop, Sandwick Pork, Valhalla Brewery, Katja’s Cakes, Lerwick Brewery, Transition Turriefield, Uradale Farm and many more. The event also features an exciting schedule of food demos and speakers across Saturday and Sunday.

Friday’s schedule starts at 6pm with a VIP opening reception. The public opening is at 7pm, featuring entertainment, special guests and a range of special offers for the event’s first customers.

Rhanna Turberville adds: “This year’s Food Fair, in the Year of Food and Drink, gives us a real opportunity to shine a light on the fantastic breadth of food and drink which Shetland now produces. We’d like even more people to come and taste it – and find out why local produce tastes so great. This year’s Food Fair promises to be one of the most exciting Shetland food and drink showcases of recent years.”

Admission to the Food Fair will be £2 per adult with children free. Weekend passes will be available for the first time, either on the door or in advance from Scoop Wholefoods, priced £3.50.