Kokova Magazine

It is an exceptionally popular show for visitors, and the range of stands on offer is as varied as it is in volume but what really stands out, for us, at the BBC Good Food Show London is the chance to discover emerging companies and products, and revisit old favourites too.

On Saturday 14th November we took a very disrupted journey up to Olympia that was certainly worth the extra travel effort involved. Despite broken signals, delayed trains and an alternate route, we managed to get a good few hours of stand touring around the show. And we want to share a round-up of the top picks we visited on the day.

PERK!ER

Ann Perkins was on hand to introduce us to the new PERK!ER quinoa snack bars, which are free from gluten, wheat and dairy, while being suitable for vegetarians and vegans. There are four unique and exciting flavours to choose from: "Cashew, Chia & Pumpkin Seed Quinoa Bar" - "Goji & Cranberry Quinoa Bar" - "Cacao & Cashew Quinoa Bar" and the "Cranberry & Cashew Oat Bar, Enhanced with Sprouted Buckwheat". Having tried all four we have to say they make a great addition to the day, for snack treats, energy on the go, breakfast on the run or just because! Our favourite? Cashew, Chia & Pumpkin Seed. www.perkier.co.uk

The Serious Sweet Company

What their website lacks, their fudge certainly makes up for! It is not easy to see online but if you get a chance to meet these lovely little boxes in person then we can assure you the pleasure will be all yours. Seriously traditional fudge from yesteryear. None of the new toffee-chewy types that are hitting the stands but authentic crumbling fudge - full of flavour. Our picks from their fudge range were the "Astonishingly Delicious Salt Water Chocolate Truffle" and "Warmingly Smooth Crystallised Ginger". www.serioussweets.co.uk

Coole Swan

Saving ourself a trip to Bluewater to John Lewis, we picked up a large bottle of Coole Swan at the show - and if you have ever tried it you will know why. Coole Swan was born by blending the finest Single Malt lrish Whiskey with White Belgian Chocolate and Fresh Cream. If you haven't tried it then we have to recommend you do! www.cooleswan.com

Simplee Aloe

An established favourite from the very first carton, we love this product - and are really excited to hear that they are bringing out a new selection of flavours. As soon as they are available we will be fighting for a place in the line to try. www.simpleealoe.com

Arctic Power Berries

This company were at their very first show last year when we met them, and it is great to see they are not only still trading but growing too. With more products on offer, their berry powder is a favourite on our morning oats! "100% pure berry powders from Finland, the Land of The Midnight Sun" they claim - and we agree. www.arcticpowerberries.com

Mason Gin

Gin seems to be topping the charts this year as the 'in' spirit, with so many new companies popping up and creating some fabulous flavours. We have had a great year discovering distilleries so were surprised to have missed Mason Gin on our travels. Not a new company by far but new to us and we were more than a little taken with what they had to offer.

"With its traditional distillation method, Harrogate Spring Water and just the right balance of juniper, citrus elements and secret botanicals (we even have our own juniper bushes now), we finally created a distinctly unique Gin that we are proud to call Masons Yorkshire Gin". https://masonsyorkshiregin.com/

Genuine Coconut

Coconut Water is not high on our list of 'must-have' items, regardless of the way this meaty nut has been trending lately, so we were surprised to find that this one didn't get rejected straight of the bat. It does actually taste a little more palatable than the other brands we have so far been offered and if it was on the menu we could tolerate it with much more grace. The way it comes packaged is really novel, complete with a ring pull and straight from the nut! https://genuinecoconut.com/

Nori Bake

If you watched the documentary a few weeks back about the benefits of seaweed and the oldest population having this slimy weed as the mainstay of their diet, then you may be wondering how to get more in yours, without feeling like a fish on a salty salad diet. Nori Bake is a blend of 8 different varieties of seaweed, which contains 97 nutrients including Iodine, Magnesium, Calcium, Vitamin B12, Iron & Zinc. And with no seaweed taste from baked product if the correct measures are used, it is great for those that find seaweed hard to take. We found this to be quite a 'clean' tasting product so although it did taste like seaweed, and is very salty, it didn't have the 'ick' factor some other makes have. It is possible to taste straight from the packet and could easily be used on meals as a salt replacement. https://noribake.squarespace.com/

BBC Good Food Show

The show has a lot to offer anyone with even a passing interest in food, and for passionate folk the demonstrations, interviews, cooking sessions and book signings are the icing on the cake for this food-filled show. We are always looking to find new and independent producers to shout about and BBC Good Food Show makes the perfect place to mix business with pleasure. If you haven't had the experience yet then find out where the show is opening next and book a ticket or two. www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com