Top Chef Showcases Scotch Beef PGI to VIPs in Hong Kong

Over 150 of China’s business elite have enjoyed Scotch Beef PGI as part of a menu devised by one of Scotland’s top chefs.

Jeff Bland, Executive Head Chef at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, served a menu showcasing the best of Scotland’s larder as part of a whisky-paired dinner hosted by Scottish Rugby and Hong Kong Rugby to celebrate the cultural and sporting ties between Hong Kong and Scotland as part of the Hong Kong Sevens Tournament.

Attendees from leading UK and Chinese organisations enjoyed a Leek and Tattie Soup amuse-bouche, a smoked salmon starter, along with a main starring slow-cooked Scotch Beef PGI which benefits from the coveted European Protected Geographic Indication (PGI status) and is renowned for its quality and taste both at home and overseas.

The invitation-only event came as Chef Bland celebrates 20 years at The Balmoral, 15 of those at the helm of the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant Number One which is a member of the Scotch Beef Club, run by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).

“I take great pride in my role as Executive Chef at The Balmoral – especially when it comes to developing menus and championing seasonal Scottish produce – and I’m delighted to bring a taste of Scotland to the business community of Hong Kong,” said Chef Bland

“Scotch Beef PGI was the obvious choice to star as the main course on this menu because of its quality, versatility and, most of all, its fantastic taste.”

Laurent Vernet, Head of Marketing at Quality Meat Scotland, said there was a great opportunity to further develop the Scotch Beef PGI brand in Hong Kong.

“This market is important as it allows Scotland to diversify its trade portfolio outside the Eurozone and towards countries which offer encouraging growth potential. 

“Consumers in these markets have a genuine appetite for quality Scotch Beef and its world-leading levels of traceability, assurance and welfare standards,” said Mr Vernet.

Toni Blackhurst, Head of Marketing and Sponsorship, Scottish Rugby, said: “The Hong Kong Sevens is an important fixture in the World Rugby Sevens Series and the players are always very well supported.

“We were delighted to be part of this event which enables Scottish Rugby to further connect with business in Asia which is an important market for us as we grow the Scottish Rugby brand around the world.”