Is it worth exhibiting at specialty food trade shows like Speciality Fine Food and Trade Only Tasting?

Members have found specialty food trade shows can deliver solid ROI, though suitability depends on brand type and attendee quality.

**Speciality Fine Food** — One member reported positive results: high footfall, reasonable spend (3×2 shell scheme with printed boards, no hidden costs), and successful meetings with independent accounts, retailers, and wholesalers. They committed to exhibiting again. However, another member noted that gin brands made up ~15% of exhibitors, which dilutes relevance for spirits brands not in that category.

**Trade Only Tasting** — Described as a newer event. Members have exhibited but expressed caution about whether the event attracts the right buyer profile to justify the cost; one member wanted to "see if they can get the right people through the door." No detailed performance data shared yet.

**Key considerations:** Footfall volume alone doesn't guarantee value—check the mix of exhibitors and attendee types beforehand. A shell scheme with basic printed boards proved cost-effective. Members recommend treating event participation as relationship-building rather than expecting immediate sales.