“Scotland lands around 28,000 tonnes of MSC certified sustainable haddock a year, and with cod stocks continuing to improve as a result of ongoing conservation-led work by industry and government, it is important to remind the foodservice sector of the fresh seafood bounty landed by our own fishermen,” explained Graham Young, Head of Seafood Scotland.
Seafood Scotland is sponsoring the Best Independent Foodservice Outlet category in the 2014 National Fish & Chip Awards, along with a Scottish seafood starter at the awards ceremony luncheon. This event will welcome 500 guests to the Lancaster London hotel on 22 January 2014 and the starters are being specially developed with the hotel’s chefs to showcase the versatility of Scottish species.
A Scottish themed VIP reception is planned for the evening of 21 January at the same hotel. This prestigious event for the National Fish & Chip Awards sponsors, finals judges and the media, will also feature Scottish seafood
“We will be taking a taste of Scotland to London, and premièring our new film about Scottish seafood, ‘Every Mouthful Tells a Story’. This film has been developed to showcase all sectors of the seafood industry from sea to plate, and will be an important tool in educating new and existing customers in world markets,” explained SFS Marketing Manager Clare Dean.
“We see this event as an important opportunity to spread the word about fresh, wild and delicious Scottish seafood, and look forward to playing it to our guests,” she confirmed.
Early next month, SFS is hosting a visit to the seafood industry in the northeast of Scotland for finalists in the Young Fish Fryer, Newcomer, and Independent Foodservice categories, along with key consumer media.
“The trip will give finalists an excellent opportunity to see the Scottish whitefish industry in action, to speak to fishermen and processors, and understand the supply chain from the sea to the fryer,” said Clare.
“The annual spend on fish and chips in the UK is in the region of £1.2 billion, and this sector is an important market for the Scottish whitefish industry. We wanted to raise greater awareness of the availability of top quality Scottish fish, and are pleased to welcome the competition finalists to the northeast,” explained David Anderson, chair of the North East Whitefish Forum.
“Our fresh and sustainable product also has the advantage of being very, very tasty!” he confirmed.
