Thanks to a new contract with local suppliers, Sainsbury's has committed to selling the Fresh Scottish West Coast Langoustine in all 390 fish counter stores.
This move is the first of its kind and is a welcome boost to the Scottish fishing economy. It's also great for customers who will be able to enjoy the best, fresh UK caught species - without being previously frozen.
The langoustine contract was discussed today in Scottish Parliament during a debate on the Common Fisheries Policy.
Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "It's great news that Sainsbury's customers will now be able to buy langoustines from pristine west coast waters. I am delighted that this project has come to fruition. I was pleased to support this approach to add value to our fantastic langoustines, as well as helping the fishing industry meet market demands and give customers what they want."
"This is just another example of our food and drink industry going from strength to strength with increasing numbers of people - at home and abroad - appreciating just how fantastic Scottish produce is."
Dave Thompson, member of the Scottish Parliament for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, said: "I am delighted that talks I instigated with the Cabinet Secretary a year ago have led to the award of this contract.
"This contract does more than simply provide a big order for a few fishermen; it gives financial security to a part of the country that has for too long been forced to rely on demand from overseas and allows the main body of UK consumers access to this most prized of quality Scottish produce through the UK's biggest retailer of sustainable fish."
Andy McTeare, Sainsbury's fish buyer said: "We're rightly proud of this deal which not only supports the Scottish fishing industry but gives customers another delicious and sustainable product to choose from on our fish counters. We continue to work in partnership with fishermen and suppliers to offer the best quality UK caught fish and support the whole supply chain."
