SUPPLIERS of high-quality and premium food and drink from Scotland want to attract the interest of Asian consumers. Thus, Scottish Development International sees the value of being at FHA2018( Hall 9).

“ It is a valuable platform for showcasing Scottish produce to an important marketplace,” says SDI representative Beatrice Huckvale.

This year, SDI has 13 Scottish companies represented at the show. They include producers of craft beer, craft spirits, soft drinks, fresh and smoked products from the sea, wholegrain oatcakes, fudge cakes, meat snacks and, of course, premium quality meat.

“ Ten of the 13 companies are new to Asia. I am excited to introduce them to the Asian marketplace. Even for these new companies, I see that FHA can do much for them in terms of building brand awareness, market testing and feedback, and providing food sampling opportunities. That is always a great way to let consumers get to know the product.”

Visitors can get a taste of these great Scottish products: n Rock Rose Gin is a handcrafted Scottish gin. Using a blend of local and traditional botanicals, this gin brings a unique taste from the Highlands of Scotland. Rock

Laurent Vernet, head of marketing, Scottish Red Meat Industry:“ Our meats enjoy a price premium and there is often a waiting list to get our products.”

Rose Gin has been distilled according to a recipe created by the Murray family since 2014 and the distillery is designed and operated by the family. n Meatsnacks Group is the largest manufacturer of jerky and biltong in Europe, with jerky facilities for beef, chicken, pork and salmon based in the Highlands and a biltong facility in Milton Keynes. It is focused on promoting the jerky as a healthy and delicious protein snack. n Macmillan Foods, a family-run business for almost 30 years, creates a superb range of high-quality fresh and smoked products— salmon, mussels, cheese, kippers, scallops, halibut, pate, fish cakes. Its latest products are hot roast smoked salmon, pakora and Kintyre scotch eggs. n Stockan’ s has been baking oatcakes for over 100 years. It now has a range highly popular within the health food sector and convenience market, being low GI, high in fibre and full of wholegrain oats. Its oatcakes are also uniquely packaged in traditional triangles and in mini pack size.

When it comes to premium meat, Scottish producers of beef and lamb are in a class of their own. They are represented by the Scottish Red Meat Industry at FHA2018.

Head of marketing Laurent Vernet emphasises

that the fine taste of Scotch beef comes from the fact that it remains a very traditional product— the meat comes from grass-fed animals that are reared only for their meat and not dairy products. They are also reared with the highest animal welfare standards with no antibiotics, no growth hormones.

In summer, the animals are grass-fed and in winter they are fed with vegetable products or sillage( grass cut in the summer) and residue from distilleries.

“ Our meats enjoy a price premium and there is often a waiting list to get our products. In Asia, our meats are very appealing to customers who desire only exclusive meat. You would find our premium beef in fine restaurants, high-end delis and

Visitors can sample various premium Scottish food ranges at FHA2018.

private kitchens of high net-worth jet-set individuals.”

Vernet takes advantage of the four-day show to have face-to-face meetings with customers and chefs of high-end hotels.