Scotch Beef back on the menu

Scotch Beef is being sold in Canada for the first time in 24 years following a campaign supported by the Scottish Government.

Aberdeen Angus is on the menu at steakhouse Jacob’s & Co in Toronto, Ontario, making it the first Canadian restaurant to sell Scotch Beef since a ban on UK beef imports was introduced in 1996.

Specialty grocer Denninger's has also reintroduced Scotch Beef to its fresh meat counters across its five stores in Ontario, supplied by West Lothian-based processor AK Stoddarts.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said:

“I’m delighted that, after 24 years, Scotch Beef is now available in a Canadian restaurant and can be bought in stores alongside some of the finest global produce. Since Canada reopened its market, we have been committed to connecting key buyers and retailers with Scotch Beef farmers.

“This is the result of significant work by many to support Scottish producers and engage potential Canadian buyers, including Quality Meat Scotland and our dedicated food and drink in-market specialist who took businesses out to meet farmers and producers.

“There is a growing appetite for premium produce with a strong sense of Scottish provenance which we should capitalise on. Scotch Beef exports are currently worth £46.4m to our economy and we will work closely with partner agencies and businesses to help this grow.”

Danny McCallum, Executive Chef at Jacob’s & Co, said:

“I travel the world to source the very best products for our guests. I was impressed by the quality and standards of the beef industry in Scotland, and excited that we are the first restaurant in Canada to have Scotch Beef on the menu.”

 Background

The worldwide export of British beef was banned in 1996 due to fears over Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).

Canada lifted its ban on UK beef exports in November 2015. Before Scotch Beef could be exported to Canada it was compulsory to undergo a lengthy process including inspections and approvals of Scottish production facilities undertaken by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. A market entry strategy to support the sale of Scotch Beef in Canada was then undertaken by Scottish Development International and Quality Meat Scotland, with the support of the Scottish Government, engaging producers and suppliers and assisting companies with navigating Canadian import regulations.

Dedicated food and drink in-market specialist posts are funded through The Scotland Food and Drink Export plan.

West Lothian-based processor AK Stoddarts have recently formed a strategic partnership with Canadian importer Dolan Foods which is supplying Scotch Beef to Jacob’s & Co and Denninger's.