Local producers wow punters at Turriff Show EQ Food and Drink Pavillion
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FOOD and drink producers impressed the Turriff Show crowds with their top-notch fare at the weekend.
Local stallholders said "people just can't get enough" of their products, with high Sunday sales meaning some had to rustle up more stock in the evening ahead of Monday.
Firms showing off their products at the EQ Food and Drink Pavilion included Mackie's, Udny Provender, Hamlyn's, Col's Baking Kits and Snochery Jocks Quality Bakes – among many others.
Hot drinks and bakes were also on sale from a coffee shop set up by Hoodles Playbarn.
A range of demonstrations on the Scotch Kitchen Live stage featured local butchers and top chefs across both days.
Both Sunday and Monday started with tips on preparing great breakfasts and brunches, hosted by chef Catriona Frankitti.
Local butchers also took centre stage, with Gary Raeburn from Huntly's Forbes Raeburn and Gavin McIntosh from Fraserburgh's Ian J. Mcintosh sharing trade secrets with the audience.
Taking to social media after the demonstration, the Huntly butcher firm said Gary was "delighted" to be asked back to the Turriff show again.
The butcher led a demonstration on a roasting of beef, explaining where all the different steak cuts come from.
"It was a pleasure to be involved and play our small part in promoting the Scotch red meat industry," a Forbes Raeburn spokesperson said.
"Hopefully all those who watched Gary’s demo enjoyed it, learned something and were encouraged to support, buy and shop local.
"A huge amount of time, effort and unseen work goes in to making shows like Turriff a success.
"So congratulations and well done to the committee and volunteers who made it a successful and enjoyable two days."
Kilted Chef Craig Wilson, also presented demonstration "A Fisherman, Farmer and Foodie".
North east chef Ross Cochrane, from the Rothesay Rooms and the Gleneagles Hotel, also showed off some of his incredible recipes.
On Sunday and Monday afternoon, Aberdeenshire trawlerman Jimmy Buchan got involved in the demonstrations.
He showed off two meals: Jimmy's Paella and a fish dish.
Both days closed with Catriona's Traders Tryst presentation, where she constructed a dish from the very ingredients on sale in the pavilion.
Kintore firm Snochery Jocks Quality Bakes was set up in April 2022 to sell Allan Smith's top oatcakes.
The baker, selling his great products at the Turriff Show alongside his wife Sandra Smith, said the public "can't get enough".
"It's great, the business grows and grows and grows," he said.
"And it is all different people too. It's been amazing – people can't get enough."
He added that Snochery Jocks had been invited to Eat on the Green at Udny, for a meal hosted by the Kilted Chef.
And, as a result, the restaurant will feature the North East Food and Drink Awards-nominated firm's oatcakes which are now sold in 13 shops.
Speaking on Monday, Mrs Smith said: "We are really pleased with how it is going.
"And I think, if more there are more farmers today, it's going to be oatcakes that will sell.
"Normally cheese and onion is the best seller but the more farmers there are, the more plain oatcakes we sell."
Col's Baking Kits, based in Ellon, also saw plenty of interest coming from visitors to the Food and Drink Pavilion.
Having started off with "extremely popular" buttery kits dreamed up by namesake Colin Morgan, the business has expanded to a wide range of "just add water", including gluten-free options.
Mr Morgan's wife Jackie Morgan said: "We had an extremely successful day yesterday.
"And we actually ended up making more buttery kits last night.
"Last year we sold out, so we overestimated this time but we still had to make more."
The prize for best presented stall in the Food and Drink Pavilion went to Roehill Springs gin.
