Specially Selected Pork to be Showcased at Taste of Grampian

One of the gems of Scotland’s larder, Specially Selected Pork, was today (February 10th, 2016) revealed as the main sponsor of Taste of Grampian 2016.

Speaking at the launch of plans for this year’s event, which will take place at Thainstone Agricultural Centre on Saturday 4th June, John Gregor, Chairman of Taste of Grampian, said he was delighted Specially Selected Pork is set to be high profile at this year’s event.

“Specially Selected Pork is a fantastic product combining quality, versatility and value for money and Scottish pig farmers have a great brand to be proud of. Scottish pig producers also deserve full recognition for being among the most committed and efficient producers in the Scottish farming industry,” said Mr Gregor.

The huge significance of pig farming to the north-east economy was also highlighted to the gathering at the launch event.

“The north-east of Scotland is where the majority of Scottish pig farming takes place and home to over 60% of the Scottish sow herd. Indeed, pig production is worth around £40 - £50 million annually to the north-east economy,” Mr Gregor stated.

Aberdeenshire pig farmer and Quality Meat Scotland board member, Philip Sleigh, said the Taste of Grampian’s strong partnership with Specially Selected Pork comes at a pivotal time for the Scottish pig industry which is set to benefit from a major investment in pig processing capacity at the Brechin site, run by Quality Pork Limited.

“Our pig farmers take great pride in the excellent job they do to produce quality pork which is tasty, healthy, versatile and also great value for money and Taste of Grampian will provide a fabulous platform to remind consumers of this,” he added.

Mr Sleigh also pointed out that Specially Selected Pork – like Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI - is a brand which is underpinned by quality assurance schemes which make animal welfare a priority.

“The Scottish SPCA works closely with Quality Meat Scotland and quality assured Scottish pig farms are visited routinely by Scottish SPCA inspectors as part of a unique partnership between the two organisations,” he said.

“We look forward to making the most of Specially Selected Pork’s high profile involvement at this year’s Taste of Grampian and ensuring the 12,000 or so visitors who attend, leave the event with a better understanding of what sets the Scottish pig industry’s brand apart.”

BBC Masterchef finalist Brian McLeish, Chef Proprietor of Moonfish Restaurant in Aberdeen, regularly serves locally produced pork.

"Serving top quality local produce is vital to ensure our customers get a fantastic eating experience and Specially Selected Pork is a great example of a meat which is truly Scottish and a brand consumers can trust," said Mr McLeish.

For more information about Specially Selected Pork and recipe ideas and inspiration visit www.speciallyselectedpork.co.uk and don’t forget to follow “Enjoy Quality Pork” on Facebook.