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Behind the Counter Club Launch Event

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An exclusive invite...

Join us at Speciality & Fine Food Fair for the official launch of the Behind the Counter Club, an exciting and brand new community designed for independent retailers, farm shops, and delis. 

The official launch event, sponsored by Invest NI and in partnership with BIRA and the Farm Retail Association, will be hosted at 11am on Tuesday 9 September as part of Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2025. This exclusive event will offer valuable insights and the chance to connect with others in your space.

With thanks to:

Behind the Counter Logos 

What is the Behind the Counter Club?

Independent. But never on your own.

You don’t have to go it alone. The Behind the Counter Club is a new WhatsApp Community and series of in-person events for independent retailers run and hosted by Speciality & Fine Food Fair. 

It’s a space to: 

  • Swap tips and best practices 

  • Meet like-minded people in the indie retail industry 

  • Get product recommendations from other retailers 

  • Ask for advice 

  • Be the first to hear about future events 

Launch Event Key Information:

Location: The Meeting Room, Speciality & Fine Food Fair, Olympia National



Date: Tuesday 9 September



Timings:
11:00-11:10
- Arrival, tea, coffee, refreshments: a chance to taste produce from Invest NI members
11:10-11:30 - Welcome and industry insight presentation from Invest NI, BIRA, and FRA
11:30-12:15 - Refreshments and speed networking: meet other indie retailers to connect, share challenges, and swap ideas

ladies chatting
man and two ladies laughing
man chatting at stand
man with glasses and man talking

RSVP to the Launch Event

Please note that by RSVPing to this event, you agree to receive information from our partners and sponsors: Invest NI, BIRA, and FRA. If you wish to opt out, please email us at sfffteam@montgomerygroup.com by the 12 September 2025.

Important: You must also register for Speciality & Fine Food Fair to gain your show badge, which provides access to the venue. 

Register for Speciality & Fine Food Fair


Join the WhatsApp Community

The group is open to independent retailers in the food & drink industry for you to share ideas, swap tips and connect with others who get it.

  • Ask questions
  • Share what's working
  • Meet others like you

We'll pop in with prompts, invites and updates occasionally - but this space is yours to use.

Click here to join

You can join the group even if you can’t attend the launch!

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