Top Nordic chefs and retailers have a growing appetite for Scottish produce, according to Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).
The red meat levy body recently sent a group of representatives to the GastroNord event in Sweden – the largest food fair in the Nordic Countries – to promote Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb.
The event attracted more than 20,000 visitors including premium retailers, food service representatives and top European chefs.
According to QMS head of marketing Laurent Vernet, it offered a valuable opportunity to secure trade for Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb in Sweden.
“Due to the decline in Sweden’s flocks and herds, they are now a net importer of beef and lamb which has opened up opportunities for exporters,” said Mr Vernet.
“Since we identified Sweden as a priority market two years ago, QMS has established strong links with the major key importers and retailers, focusing primarily on steak cuts and alternative cuts.”
He said although Sweden was not a big volume market, it offered a stable, sustainable market for premium products such as Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb.
“From the response we received at GastroNord, I am optimistic that Sweden is firmly established as a valuable market for the Scottish red meat industry,” added Mr Vernet.
Last month, the red meat levy body went to Singapore to promote Scotch meat to chefs, hoteliers and restaurant owners in the region.
Mr Vernet said the region offered a real opportunity for Scottish meat producers, and according to figures from Scottish Development International, Singapore is now Scotland’s third largest export market.
Food and drink exports to the region more than doubled between 2006 and 2013, and are now worth more than £330million.
The bulk of exports come in the form of Scotch whisky, however the value of food exports increased by 20% last year to just over £1.6million.