Scottish red meat spotlighted on the global stage

QMS showcased the best of Scotch in Paris this week at SIAL – one of the world’s most influential food fairs.

Eight Scottish companies attended the event (15-19 October) where Quality Meat Scotland’s stand highlighted the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status of Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb. The Specially Selected Pork brand was also promoted to importers from around the world, as the red meat levy board works to expand global trade opportunities.

Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon attended the event, meeting with key international customers of Scottish red meat, and demonstrated her support for growth and success of the industry in Scotland.

With an exhibition size of over 284,000 m², the trade fair attracts over 320,000 trade visitors from 194 countries, making it a major event for many of Europe’s most influential buyers and decision makers.

Visitors to the newly designed QMS stand had the opportunity to view, discuss and sample products supplied by AK Stoddart, Scotbeef and Browns Food Group, discovering more about the quality assurance, provenance and sustainability standards that underpin each of the QMS brands.

Award-winning chefs from Fife College prepared a selection of mouth-watering samples, from the traditional Scotch

Lamb cutlet and Haggis Bonbon, to Asian Marinated Scotch Beef Skewers and Specially Selected Pork Tikka Kebabs.

Kate Rowell, QMS Chair who attended the show alongside Chief Executive, Sarah Millar and other QMS representatives said: “With every major meat exporting nation attending SIAL, it was vital that Scotland’s exporters had a strong presence in Paris, reinforcing the credentials that set Scotch apart from competitors, and being confident in our position as a leader on the global stage.”

Tom Gibson, Director of Market Development at QMS added: “Increasing trade with high value export markets is high on our agenda.

“SIAL Paris was a fantastic chance for our exporters to foster such meaningful relationships and we grasped the opportunity to highlight the exceptional beef, sheep and pig producers of Scotland to a global audience of buyers.”

To catch up on QMS’ activities from SIAL, follow QMS on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. For more information on Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI or Specially Selected Pork, visit www.qmscotland.co.uk.