October 31, 2019

Japan receives first shipment of Scottish beef following lifting of trade ban

Scotland exported its first shipment of beef to Japan in over 20 years following the abrogation of a trade ban, Food & Drink International reported in mid-October.

An order of Scotch Beef PGI supplied by AK Stoddart's recently reached Japan at an official showcase event organised by Scottish Development International and supported by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).

Alan Clarke, chief executive of Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), said there is a fantastic opportunity for Scotch Beef in Japan – a market which is worth £127 million (US$164.4 million) to UK farmers over five years.

"Scotch Beef was the first European red meat product to be granted the coveted European Protected Geographic Indication (PGI status) which reflects the unique provenance and quality of this product, and the farming methods behind the production of Scotch Beef are very much part of our Scottish landscape and heritage," Clarke said.

"We look forward to further developing opportunities to promote and showcase Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb in Japan."

Scottish External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "Our red meat sector is a genuine success story and one I am committed to continue to champion at home and overseas."

- Food & Drink International