Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) proudly recognised four outstanding European businesses for their commitment to Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb during SIAL Paris 2026, held from 17-21 October. The awards celebrated the importers, wholesalers and foodservice specialists whose long-standing partnerships and promotion are helping Scotland’s premium red meat reach discerning customers across Europe.
Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands, Jim Fairlie, presented the awards alongside Kate Rowell, Chair of QMS, and Sarah Millar, Chief Executive of QMS. Together, they celebrated the unwavering dedication of Ipekci Slachterij BV, Eurodis Viandes, Metzger Frères and MAG Restauration.
Kate Rowell, Chair of QMS, said: “These awards recognise the vital role our European partners play in championing Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb. Their commitment to quality, provenance and long-term collaboration helps bring Scotland’s premium red meat to discerning customers across Europe, while building lasting value for our industry at home. It is a privilege to celebrate their achievements at SIAL Paris and thank them for their continued support.”
SIAL Paris, one of the world’s leading international food and drink trade events, provides QMS with an important platform to strengthen relationships with existing partners, forge new connections with international buyers and showcase the quality, provenance and versatility of Scotland’s premium red meat.
Among the four winners was Netherlands-based Ipekci Slachterij BV, nominated by Vivers Scotlamb. The family-run meat wholesaler, based in Harderwijk, has operated since 2011 and supplies foodservice businesses, retailers, butcher shops, wholesalers and restaurants.
Led by Managing Director Abdulrahim Ipekci, the company has promoted Scotch Lamb for the past three years and has grown that business year on year, helping to extend the product’s reach across the Dutch market.
Also recognised was Eurodis Viandes, nominated by ABP UK. Business owners Caroline Frauchere and Francis Frauchere accepted the award on behalf of the company.
Francis Frauchere began his career as a butcher before working for Socopa and Pommier Treppin in Rungis, selling meat to high-end restaurants and retail butchers in Paris. After acquiring Eurodis in 1996, he quickly re-established relationships with discerning retail and foodservice customers.
Today, Eurodis specialises in premium products for the top end of the Parisian market, including Japanese Wagyu, Galician marbled loins and Scotch Beef. Its commitment to quality and provenance has helped position Scotch Beef alongside some of the world’s most sought-after meat products.
Metzger Frères was honoured following a nomination by Kepak McIntosh Donald, with owner-manager Max Metzger accepting the award.
A fourth-generation specialist in viande d’exception, or exceptional meat, Metzger Frères distributes its premium beef range to customers across France, from Saint-Tropez to leading Alpine ski resorts. Through its specialist expertise and customer network, Metzger Frères has become an important ambassador for the quality, provenance and distinctiveness of Scotch Beef PGI.
Max Metzger, Owner-Manager of Metzger Frères, said: “We are proud to receive this recognition. Scotch Beef has earned an important place in our exceptional meat range because of its consistent quality, distinctive character and trusted provenance. Our customers across France value those qualities, and we are delighted to help share the story of Scotch Beef with chefs and butchers who demand the very best.”
MAG Restauration was also recognised following a nomination by Dunbia Highland Meats, with Sales Director Florentin Berthou accepting the award.
Established in Rungis in 1982, MAG has specialised for more than 40 years in the trade of fresh and frozen French and imported meat. Its fresh-meat division comprises a young, dynamic team serving restaurants, shops and butcheries, with growth founded on long-standing relationships with suppliers including Dunbia Highland Meats.
The company values its consistent quality and taste, as well as the strong provenance and identity that customers increasingly seek. It also recognises the contribution of Scotland’s livestock-rearing conditions and meat-industry expertise to the quality of the product.
Florentin Berthou, Sales Director at MAG Restauration, said: “This award is a welcome recognition of the strong relationships behind our business. Scotch meat offers the consistent quality, flavour and provenance our customers are looking for, supported by Scotland’s outstanding livestock-rearing conditions and industry expertise. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Dunbia Highland Meats and bringing these products to more customers in France.”
The awards reflect QMS’s work with processors, importers, wholesalers and foodservice partners to strengthen the international profile of Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb. By recognising the businesses championing these products in key European markets, QMS is celebrating the partnerships that connect Scotland’s red meat industry with customers around the world.