TWO TOP European importers have received awards in recognition of their commitment to Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI.

Germany's Rauch and Belgium's DLVH were honoured at the Anuga 2017 food trade fair in Cologne, where Quality Meat Scotland chairman Jim McLaren officially recognised their loyalty to the Scotch brands during a ceremony at their stand

QMS have a significant presence at the event as they hope to meet new and existing buyers, with 10 Scottish red meat exporters exhibiting, representing over 85% of all beef and lamb exported from Scotland.

Rauch are food wholesalers who supply more than 6000 premium retail outlets and the food service sector; importing Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI from Portlehen-based McIntosh Donald.

The CEO of Rauch, Mrs Inge Rauch commended the quality found in Scottish reared beef and lamb: “In recent years, we have launched a new product called Scotland Hills using Scotch Beef PGI and have also taken chefs from Germany to Scotland to build their understanding of what sets Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb apart in terms of the methods of production and the exceptional countryside in which the animals are reared."

Belgian importers DVLH have been supplied by Highland Meats since 2005 and sell the Scotch Beef PGI direct to consumers and to premium catering trade customers. One area DLVH specialize in is dry ageing of beef and Mr Luc De Laet, from the company, is at the forefront of research as a consultant specialist in this area.

“The quality image of Scotch Beef and its exceptional taste and tenderness are highly valued by our customers,” said Mr De Laet. “Our company has worked hard to grow a reputation for providing top quality fresh foods and our customers are impressed with the fact that Scotch Beef is produced in wide open spaces with plentiful green pasture.”