Louth London dry gin among exotic exhibitors at Lincolnshire Food & Gift Fair 13 Nov
Award winning Pin Gin – a boutique London dry gin lovingly distilled and bottled in Louth – will be at the event for the first time, with visitors invited to try a small taster.
Thought to be the first ever gin to be produced commercially in Lincolnshire, Pin Gin was launched by Louth couple Alan Bottomley and Amy Conyard in March. Designed to capture the sights, tastes and smells of the local countryside, their recipe incorporates rose and lavender notes, hints of cucumber, black pepper and citrus, finishing off with liquorice, almonds and cinnamon.
Alan and Amy, who run their business as Bottomley Distillers, are excited to be exhibiting at the fair and are keen to teach people about their gin.
Amy said: “It’s a great opportunity to get out there and show off our brand. Making sales would be great but it is also about getting brand awareness and branching out to a different audience.”
Pin Gin takes its name from “pin”, as in pine needles, as Alan originally intended to sell Christmas trees as well. Currently producing 200 bottles of gin a week but set to expand, Bottomley Distillers was named producer of the year at the recent Select Lincolnshire Awards 2017.
Another exhibitor at the fair offering a rural slice of the county is hamper company, Little Box of Lincolnshire.
The Sleaford-based business fills its hampers with locally produced food and drink and will be showcasing three different hamper themes – ‘Boozy yellow belly’, ‘Lincolnshire treats’ and ‘Winter warmer’, which contains Christmas-related fare.
Owner Tim Gutteridge said: “Samples from our hampers will be available at the food fair.We’re looking forward to getting feedback on our products, testing out the market, and gaining brand awareness for when we officially launch the business in January with a full product list.”
Foodies looking for something hot and spicy at this year’s event won’t be disappointed either. Among the 2017 exhibitors are Mr Hudas, an authentic curry paste business based in Scunthorpe, and Dunholme Chillies specialising in handmade, gluten-free, vegan-friendly sauces, oils and vinegars.
The award-winning Mr Hudas range of curry pastes allows home cooks to create restaurant style dishes in just the way the professionals do it –but without all the inconvenience of sourcing different ingredients then blending them.
Mr Hudas, who will be offering samples and selling its products at the fair, has exhibited at the fair for the past nine years. Owner Maf Huda said: “It’s a great way of getting new business leads. As a Lincolnshire-based company, it’s also a good platform for showcasing local produce.”
Taking a stand at the event marks a first for Dunholme Chillies, who started trading in January 2016. Owner Jack Green said: “We’re looking forward to having our brand next to other large brands from the Lincolnshire area. We also want to meet people and share our story about how the business started and intends to grow.”
CEO of the Lincolnshire Showground Jayne Southall, said the team enjoy welcoming first-time exhibitors to the fair as well as welcoming back popular businesses.
She said: “Being involved in the Fair can really help build brand awareness. Our visitors enjoy meeting new producers and sampling their products and it’s always good to welcome back exhibitors from previous years. The event is a true celebration of what Lincolnshire has to offer.”
The Lincolnshire Food & Gift Fair is open from 9am to 4pm on 2 and 3 December 2017 and visitors will have access to free parking. Tickets for the fair can be bought online or over the phone at £5 each in advance, and are £6 on the gate. Under 16s go free when accompanied by an adult.
To buy tickets, please visit our ticket page or call us on 01522 522900.
