Importers Rewarded for Commitment to Scottish Red Meat Industry

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has recognised two importers for their long-term commitment to the Scottish red meat industry.

Rauch, a Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI importer from Germany, and Netherlands-based Scottish beef importer Zandbergen, received the awards from the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity, Fergus Ewing MSP during a reception on the QMS stand in Anuga, one of the world’s most influential food fairs.

Rauch, which buys Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI from AK Stoddart’s, specialises in fresh and processed meat products, supplying high-quality German supermarket chains like Edeka, REWE or Famila, to just name a few.

The company has five main groups of customers which represent 13,000 stores plus more than 15,000 butchers across Germany.

Zandbergen, provide clients across Europe with a variety of premium meats.[[{"fid":"48357","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"attributes":{"style":"float: right;","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]

The company was founded by two brothers, Cor and Ton Zandbergen who started their business in a local butcher shop in Leiden. They grew the business and became a leading company in the international protein supply chain.

Since 2006, the company been unwavering supporters of Scottish beef, working with Millers of Speyside and importing large volumes to the Netherlands regularly.

Alan Clarke, Chief Executive of Quality Meat Scotland, said: “Rauch and Zandbergen are extremely valuable, staunch supporters of the Scottish red meat industry and it is our pleasure to present them with awards as a gesture of our appreciation.

“Both Germany and the Netherlands are important markets for Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb, with the German market, in particular, expanding quickly.

“Building on our existing strong market presence in these markets and, of course, across Europe and the rest of the world is imperative to ensure that retailers and consumers are aware of the quality, provenance and high production standards which the Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb labels guarantee.”

Mr Clarke added: “The Scots were pioneers of quality assurance and next year we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of our quality assurance schemes.

“These schemes underpin our brands and ensure the high standards of production, traceability and welfare that our customers around the globe expect.”

For more information on Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI including recipes, videos and tips, visit www.scotchkitchen.com or follow Scotch Kitchen on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.