Strong Scotch Lamb Export Trade Revealed at Bocuse d'Or

The value of Scotch Lamb exported in 2010 increased by around 25% compared with the previous year, Quality Meat Scotland revealed in Lyon today (Tuesday February 25).

Speaking at Bocuse d’Or, the world culinary championships where top chefs from around the globe are competing using Scotch Lamb as a main ingredient, Donald Biggar, QMS Chairman said Scotch Lamb exports for the past year totalled around £40 million, up £10 million on 2009.

While part of this increase in the total value of Scotch Lamb exports must be attributed to the increase in the price of lamb during the year, observed Mr Biggar, the hard work of the key Scottish meat processors involved has played a huge role in driving the increase.

“This increase is great news for our industry and highlights the increasingly high profile Scotch Lamb has in our overseas markets. Events such as Bocuse d’Or provide a fantastic platform to showcase Scotch Lamb and give exporters a great platform to meet with existing and potential new customers,” he added.

Laurent Vernet. QMS Head of Marketing, said that while topping the £40 million mark was a welcome landmark for the industry and great credit to the sustained hard work of processors there was no room for complacency.

“Processors have been working very hard but while the message about the quality of Scotch Lamb is getting through the industry is very aware it can't afford to rest on its laurels. There are still a lot of challenges to face – Scotch Lamb faces competition not only from lamb from competitors but also from other cheaper proteins overseas,” said Mr Vernet.

Mr Vernet said that trade with France, Belgium, Luxemburg and Holland had been particularly strong during the year and also highlighted Nordic countries among growth areas.

Quality Meat Scotland has also been working in collaboration with exporters to forge strong relationships with supermarket chains in key export markets.

The QMS stand at the event is hosting several Scottish red meat processors and representatives from the Scotch Lamb sector including George Milne, National Sheep Association development officer and Andrew Morton. Mr Morton is one of a number of Scotch Lamb producers who supplied Bridge of Allan-based Scotbeef, official suppliers of Bocuse d'Or, with the lamb 24 of the world’s top chefs are competing with at the prestigious event.

Mr Morton, who farms with his family at Lochend near Denny in Stirlingshire was introduced to legendary chef, Paul Bocuse at the event today. Mr Bocuse, the founder of the Bocuse d’Or culinary championship, was clearly delighted to meet the Scottish sheep producer.

For further press information please contact Carol McLaren, Head of Communications, QMS tel: 0131 472 4112 or 07739 900653.