Scotch Beef landed on the shelves of Canadian supermarkets for the first time in almost 20 years this week.
The order, which was the first shipment of British beef to be exported to Canada since 1996, comes following the removal of a 19-year long import ban put in place at the height of the BSE crisis.
The removal of the ban last October allows 19 European countries, including the UK, to export beef to the North American country.
To celebrate the arrival of the Scots meat in Canada a special dinner was held at The Chefs’ House in Toronto for Canadian chefs, retailers and food importers.
Quality Meat Scotland chairman Jim McLaren, who spoke at the dinner, said there was a great opportunity for Scotch Beef in Canada.
He said Canadian consumers had a “genuine appetite for quality, grass-fed, hormone-free Scotch Beef”.
“Scotch Beef PGI benefits from 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,” said Mr McLaren.
“We look forward to further developing opportunities to promote and showcase Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb in Canada.”
Farm minister Richard Lochhead welcomed the news and said having prime Scotch Beef on offer in Canada was a huge milestone for the industry.
He said: “Having our prime Scotch Beef on the shelves in Canada is massively important for the industry and naturally I would encourage retailers and chefs throughout Canada to order as much of our delicious Scottish produce as possible. Showcasing the quality and taste of Scotch beef at high profile events is an excellent way to promote the brand and its benefits. Having Scotch Beef on the menu at The Chefs’ House is a huge milestone which I believe can act as a springboard for our premium brand in the Canadian market.”