The site director of north-east meat processor Kepak McIntosh Donald is the new president of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW).
Alan Brown, who brings 40 years of meat trade experience to his new role, succeeds Ian Bentley who completed his two-year term as the association’s president on May 29.
Mr Brown’s early meat trade career included working for John Munro in Dingwall and Buchan Meat in Turriff, after which he joined the Kepak Group some 28 years ago.
His career has featured a range of management roles across Kepak locations in Scotland, England and Ireland, prior to returning to his native Aberdeen six years ago to run the Portlethen business, which Kepak acquired in 2018.
“We have an amazing red meat industry in Scotland, founded on high quality livestock and a lot of hard work by everyone involved in the supply chain, from farmers to retailers,” said Mr Brown.
‘Delighted to accept this challenge’ says Alan Brown
“There have always been challenges, certainly in my 40 years in the industry.
“Containing processing costs, maintaining on-farm stock numbers, and ensuring a strong future for Scotland’s processors and farmers will dominate my tenure as SAMW president.
“I’m delighted to accept this challenge, fully aware of the demands we face as an industry to ensure Scottish red meat continues to command respect at home and abroad in the years ahead.”
Association members account for almost 100% of the Scottish red meat processing industry, commanding a combined annual turnover in excess of £1 billion and employing over 3,000 people.