Scotland’s biggest two-day agricultural show is going all in on flavour this year, with nearly 50 top producers descending on Turriff to show off the country’s best food and drink. And yes, the pink elderflower cordial will be flowing.
A Pavilion That Steals the Show
Every year, the EQ Food and Drink Pavilion becomes the heart—and stomach—of the Turriff Show. Scheduled for August 3 and 4 at The Haughs, this year’s showcase promises a feast for the senses. From artisan ice creams to craft spirits, small-batch cordials to homegrown pork pies, visitors will be treated to the full spectrum of what Scotland’s food scene can deliver.
Close to 24,000 visitors are expected to pour through the gates across the two days. And the Pavilion? It’s already drawing attention as the place to be.
You’re not just browsing. You’re tasting, chatting with producers, and learning how your food is made. It’s an experience, not just a market stall setup.
Who’s Bringing What to the Table?
There’s no shortage of personality—or flavour—on display this year.
From local legends to emerging entrepreneurs, the line-up is jam-packed:
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Portsoy Ice Cream: Traditional treats with a coastal twist
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Summerhouse Drinks: Refreshing soft drinks from Aberdeenshire
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Mackie’s Ice Cream: Farm-to-freezer favourite
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Glenkindie Pantry: Makers of pink elderflower cordial (more on that soon)
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Louise’s Farm Kitchen: Home-grown and hand-made
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Wark Farm Pies: Big flavour in small packages
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Ellon Spirits: Crafting spirits with a northern bite
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School Yard Kitchen: Inspired by family traditions
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The Tattie Shy: Dispensers of Taylor’s crisps—yes, in bags
And that’s not even half the list. Many of these businesses don’t just sell food—they tell a story, and you’ll hear plenty of them at the show.
The Pink Elderflower That’s Turned Heads
Tanya Hensel didn’t set out to build a cordial empire. But a chance discovery in her Strathdon garden changed that. A rare pink elderflower bush caught her eye, and now—just a few years later—100 pink elderflower trees stand proudly in her newly formed orchard.
Tanya forages blossoms during a six-week window in early summer. Then she freezes the haul to create her sparkling pink elderflower drink all year long.
One sentence, and you’re hooked.
The cordial’s uses are as diverse as the people buying it:
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Poured over vanilla ice cream
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Mixed into a gin cocktail
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Drizzled onto cakes or fruit salads
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Served with soda for a fizzy refreshment
Tanya’s stand is expected to be a crowd magnet. She’s excited to meet customers—old and new—and share her pink bottles of joy.
Cooking Up a Storm at the QMS Theatre
Food tasting is great. But watching how it’s made? Even better.
The Quality Meat Scotland Cookery Theatre is back again and set to draw a crowd, with live cookery and butchery demos on both show days.
Andy McDonald of Presly Butchers in Oldmeldrum will take the spotlight on Monday. His butchery demonstrations aren’t just about technique—they’re a masterclass in how to get the most out of Scotch Beef and Specially Selected Pork. Both sourced locally, of course.
There’s something mesmerising about watching a skilled butcher break down a cut of meat while explaining how to cook it for a weekday dinner or Sunday roast.
And the smell? Forget it—you’re not walking away hungry.
Food That’s More Than Just Food
Sabrina March of Wark Farm Pies summed it up nicely: this isn’t just a display of produce, it’s a “Turriff Traders’ Tryst.” It’s a celebration of how Scotland’s food and drink makers collaborate, inspire, and innovate.
During the show, several of the producers will combine their wares to show off flavour pairings and recipe ideas. Think:
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Ice cream made with local milk, topped with pink cordial syrup
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Pies served with artisan pickles or drizzled with homemade sauce
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Spirits paired with bespoke mixers from the Pavilion’s drinks vendors
It’s these little extras that elevate the Pavilion into something special. Visitors aren’t just grazing. They’re getting inspired.
A Community Rooted in Rural Life
Yes, it’s about food. But it’s also about connection. Many of the businesses in the EQ Pavilion are not just trading—they’re representing rural Scotland.
They’re families, farmers, friends. People who understand the land, the seasons, and the value of a good neighbour. The Turriff Show gives them a platform to shine—and they never waste the chance.
It’s the kind of community-driven event that gives food a soul. And visitors? They leave with full bellies and even fuller hearts.
