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 .