Barbecue summer success

While the summer’s fiery heat and lack of rain might have caused problems for Scotland’s farmers, it offered some of the best barbeque weather for many years – and one of the country’s top meat suppliers saw burger sales sky-rocket.

Speaking at the weekend, Scotbeef chief executive, Robbie Galloway said that supplies to Marks and Spencer of their “best ever burger” – developed after a trip to the US – had topped 3 million packs, earning the brand hero product status for the summer.

Speaking at the Scottish Premier Meat Exhibition, hosted at the company’s Bridge of Allan plant, he said that it was increasingly important that processors became cleverer at marketing the whole carcase and finding premium outlets for what had previously been considered cheaper cuts.

Steve Mclean, head of agriculture with M&S added that a five year contract signed with the firm meant that Scotbeef would now be supplying 85 per cent of the lamb on M&S shelves.

However, on a less cheery note, international meat buyer, Giacinto Fusetti, who imports an estimated £12 million worth of Scottish beef into Italy warned that a “no deal” outcome to Brexit could throw a considerable number of hurdles – both in terms of tariffs and border controls – in the way of continued trade.

Premier Meat Exhibition results: Champion Beef Carcase: Ross Brothers, Wardhead, Strichen, Aberdeenshire.

Champion Lamb Carcase: M&J Kennedy, Lurgan, Aberfeldy.

Overall Live Cattle champion: T&A Taylor, Heathery hall, Biggar, Lanarkshire

Overall Live sheep champion

J L Mcmillan, Carse of Clary, Newton Stewart.

Finishing competition: R G Barbour and Son, Crailing Hall, Jedburgh.

Farm of year: Ross Brothers, Wardhead.