Importers Rewarded for Commitment to Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has officially recognized two leading importers for their loyalty and commitment to Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI.

Germany-based Rauch and Belgium-based DLVH received the awards from Jim McLaren, Chairman of QMS, during a ceremony today (Monday 9th October) on the QMS stand at Anuga, the world’s largest food trade fair.

QMS has a significant presence this week at Anuga, with 10 Scottish red meat exporters representing over 85% of all beef and lamb exported from Scotland,  meeting existing and potential new buyers on their stand.

Germany-based R&S Vertiebs GmbH, also known as Rauch, import Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI from Portlethen-based McIntosh Donald, part of the 2 Sisters Group.

The company is a food wholesaler supplying more than 6,000 premium retail outlets and the foodservice sector.

Mrs Inge Rauch, Chief Executive of Rauch, said the company, founded by her late husband Albert, had total confidence in the value delivered by Scottish origin beef and lamb.

“In recent years we have  launched a new product called Scotland Hills using Scotch Beef PGI  and have also taken chefs from Germany to Scotland to build their understanding of what sets Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb apart in terms of the methods of production and the exceptional countryside in which the animals are reared,” said Mrs Rauch.

[[{"fid":"38545","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"(l-r) Paul Ronan, Export Sales Manager, Highland Meats, Alan Clarke, CEO QMS, Mrs Peggy De Laet, DLVH Belgium, Mr Luc De Laet, DLVH Belgium, Tom McKnight, Premium Brand sales, Dawn Meats, Jim McLaren, Chairman QMS","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"(l-r) Paul Ronan, Export Sales Manager, Highland Meats, Alan Clarke, CEO QMS, Mrs Peggy De Laet, DLVH Belgium, Mr Luc De Laet, DLVH Belgium, Tom McKnight, Premium Brand sales, Dawn Meats, Jim McLaren, Chairman QMS"},"type":"media","attributes":{"alt":"(l-r) Paul Ronan, Export Sales Manager, Highland Meats, Alan Clarke, CEO QMS, Mrs Peggy De Laet, DLVH Belgium, Mr Luc De Laet, DLVH Belgium, Tom McKnight, Premium Brand sales, Dawn Meats, Jim McLaren, Chairman QMS","title":"(l-r) Paul Ronan, Export Sales Manager, Highland Meats, Alan Clarke, CEO QMS, Mrs Peggy De Laet, DLVH Belgium, Mr Luc De Laet, DLVH Belgium, Tom McKnight, Premium Brand sales, Dawn Meats, Jim McLaren, Chairman QMS","height":347,"width":480,"style":"width: 480px; height: 347px; float: right; margin: 5px;","class":"media-element file-default"},"link_text":null}]]The other award recipient was DLVH in Belgium, supplied by Highland Meats, now part of Dunbia, a division of Dawn Meats Group, with their Caledonia Crown range. DLVH imports Scotch Beef PGI for sale direct to consumers and to premium catering trade customers.

Highland Meats has been supplying the De Laet family from DLVH  since 2005 and the company has premises in Hove and Antwerp. One area DLVH specializes in is dry aging of beef and Mr Luc De Laet is at the forefront of research as a consultant specialist in this area.

“The quality image of Scotch Beef and its exceptional taste and tenderness are highly valued by our customers,” said Mr De Laet.

“Our company has worked hard to grow a reputation for providing top quality fresh foods and our customers are impressed with the fact that Scotch Beef is produced in wide open spaces with plentiful green pasture.”

QMS Chairman, Jim McLaren, said: “Our congratulations go to both these companies which have a very welcome commitment to the Scotch brands and a determination to deliver quality produce for discerning consumers and catering customers.”

He added: “Scotland’s extensive areas of grassland are ideal for producing top quality beef and lamb and it is heartening to see the recognition of the Scottish red meat industry’s very positive quality, welfare and environmental message.”

Mr Sandy Boyes, Sales Manager at McIntosh Donald said: “Germany has always been a target market for McIntosh Donald and this award is well deserved.”

He added: “Rauch’s achievements in the passionate hands of Dirk Bussman and his team to develop their own branded Scotch Beef and Lamb has been done with a great knowledge, acquired during many visits to producers in Scotland. The owners and the team at Rauch have therefore developed a huge understanding and appreciation for the high quality delivered from Scotland.

“We aim to work in close partnership going forward to increase the success story of this fine branded Scotch offering.”

Mr Niall Brennan, Commercial Director (Primary) Dawn Meats UK said: “Highland Meats are delighted that DLVH has been one of the importers recognized by QMS for their commitment to Scotch Beef PGI.

He added: “As purveyors of high quality meat, Highland Meats are proud to support Luc and Peggy, working closely with them to ensure their specially selected Caledonia Crown Scotch Beef PGI delivers the high specification they demand.

Advocates of quality over quantity DLVH continue to build a strong following for Scotch Beef, increasing their requirements year on year for the past 12 years and earning a reputation throughout Europe for their craft.”