Innovative “Surf & Turf” Tour Set to Showcase Scotland’s Food Heritage

A new initiative aimed at sharing the best Scottish fayre with food lovers across the world has been launched by two of Scotland’s largest food organisations.

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and Seafood Scotland are jointly fronting the exciting “Surf and Turf” initiative in an international partnership which will see the ultimate Scottish ingredient combo served to foodies around the world.

The first event was hosted last night in Hamburg, Germany, where leading food influencers, restaurant industry representatives, importers and bloggers 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 Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI, which benefit from the coveted European Protected Geographic Indication (PGI status) and are renowned for their quality and taste both at home and overseas.

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’ (www.Effilee.de), a premium food and drink magazine and website.

Laurent Vernet, Head of Marketing at Quality Meat Scotland said: “Surf & 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 £760m, a rise of 26%, with Europe the leading destination.  Similarly, the export of meat from Scotland rose 11% to £72m, 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 & 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 part of the Scotland Food and Drink Partnership, with the Surf & Turf collaboration forming part of a drive to boost the visibility of Scottish food and drink across key markets.  Further Surf & Turf events will follow over the course of the year.