An initiative combining the best of Scotland’s produce from land and sea in a classic culinary combination has been launched by two of Scotland’s largest food organisations.
Trade bodies Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and Seafood Scotland are jointly fronting the “surf and turf” initiative in an international partnership which will see the Scottish ingredient combo served to foodies and around the world.
The first event was hosted last night in Hamburg, Germany, where leading “food influencers”, restaurant industry representatives, importers and writers were treated to the best of what Scotland has to offer.
On the menu for the exclusive dinner and cooking demonstrations, were Scottish scallops and fresh lobster, alongside Protected Geographic Indication (PGI) Scotch beef and Scotch Lamb.
Where possible, surf & turf events will be co-hosted by a local partner. In Germany, Scotland Food and Drink, QMS and Seafood Scotland have worked with Effilee, a premium food and drink magazine and website.
Laurent Vernet, head of marketing at QMS said: “Surf and turf is a step forward in achieving our common goal – to spread the word about Scotland’s amazing food heritage. This initiative will showcase the best of what Scotland has to offer discerning food lovers in Europe and further afield. Consumers across the globe have a genuine appetite for Scottish produce, and in particular, its world-leading levels of traceability, assurance and welfare standards which underpin the Scotch beef PGI and Scotch lamb PGI brands.”
Scottish food and drink exports rose by 8% in 2016, with both Scottish seafood and meat enjoying a successful year alongside their export counterparts, such as the whisky industry. Scottish seafood global exports in the last year account for around £760million, a rise of 26%, with Europe the leading destination. Similarly, the export of meat from Scotland rose 11% to £72million, with 90% of trade within Europe.
Natalie Bell, trade marketing manager for Emea (Europe, Middle East and Asia) at Seafood Scotland, said: “Boasting Europe’s largest economy, Germany is an ideal place to begin our surf and turf initiative, bringing Scottish seafood and meat to an astute audience who are increasingly leading the way in terms of European culture and trends. By celebrating the best of what Scotland has to offer from both land and sea, we aim to establish new trade relationships and secure interest in future orders for Scottish suppliers.”
Both organisations are partners of Scotland Food and Drink a Scottish Government-backed industry organisation which aims to to double Scotland’s food and drink industry’s worth to the value of £30billion by 2030.
Further surf and turf events will follow over the course of the year.
