FDBusiness.com

In a further bid to enhance Scotland’s trade relationships with the Asian market, Seafood Scotland, along with some of Scotland’s leading fish and seafood companies, is representing the seafood sector at this year’s ‘Food & Hotel Asia’.

The companies will attend the show, which takes place in Singapore from 12-15 April, as part of a delegation of 15 Scottish food and drink companies, under the banner of Scottish Development International (SDI) and the Scotland Food and Drink Export Partnership. In 2014 the show attracted over 65,000 trade visitors, and this year there are well over 3,000 exhibitors from around 70 countries and regions.

Artisanal seafood supplier, Campsie Glen Smokehouse; Gourmet Choice; John Valance, the Glasgow-based seafood wholesaler and sea-loch fresh salmon producer, The Scottish Salmon Company will all be represented at the Scottish pavilion, which the delegation will use as a base to further engage the Asian market at the region’s most influential show, taking place every two years.

James Withers, Chief Executive of Scotland Food and Drink, says: “Scotland’s food exports have risen by 50% since 2007 and our reputation is growing around the world. Our export strategy is specifically targeting Singapore and the Far East, where demand for premium products with a strong provenance story is rapidly growing. This presents huge opportunities for Scottish companies in this market.

“Our seafood sector has been a real star performer in recent years with buyers recognising the quality we can deliver. That is creating the foundation to export a broader range of products, beyond just seafood, many of which we will be showcasing in Singapore.”

Natalie Bell, Trade Marketing Manager for EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Asia) at Seafood Scotland, says: “The business opportunities provided by Food and Hotel Asia are vast, which is why some of Scotland’s leading companies are coming with us. The buyers attending are in the market for new and innovative products and suppliers, and many are open to change. With a strong foothold in the region, and a world-class quality product, the Scottish story is compelling, so we are confident of a successful mission in terms of building new trade relationships.”