Scottish seafood at Singapore’s World Gourmet Summit 2014 as trade links grow

Over the next two weeks, Scotland will be the primary seafood partner of Singapore’s flagship gastronomic event, the World Gourmet Summit 2014.

Scottish seafood will be used by chefs and participants from around the globe, as they come together to celebrate the world’s greatest gourmet delights, cooking techniques and culinary trends.

Between 2007 and 2012, exports of Scottish seafood to Asia increased by 247% to a value of £31.76 million, as a result of rising demand for top quality, luxury products amongst the region’s top chefs and their discerning customers.

“Scottish seafood has been increasing in popularity in Asia in recent years, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to showcase our high quality produce at the Summit, which will be visited by many international importers and distributors,” said Graham Young, head of Seafood Scotland.

“Our presence is one activity in a raft of effort that aims to raise awareness of the Scottish seafood industry in new and emerging markets.”

The fortnight of events includes chef demonstrations, themed events, a press reception and a Sunday seafood brunch with Macallan Whisky, celebrating two of Scotland’s iconic exports together.

Scottish masterchef Roy Brett will be sharing his passion for Scottish produce through a series of demonstrations and events, showcasing traditional Scottish seafood cooking techniques and flavours to renowned international and local chefs, leading culinary experts, food connoisseurs, enthusiasts and aspiring chefs.

“I’m incredibly excited about taking part in this year’s World Gourmet Summit,” said Roy Brett. “Scotland is home to some of the cleanest waters in the world and that has given us an international reputation for some of the finest fish and shellfish available today. I'm looking forward to cooking with the best Scotland has to offer, and demonstrating to the distinguished chefs, industry players and foodies participating in the World Gourmet Summit.”

Roy will be working with Toni Robertson, Executive Chef at the Mandarin Oriental, who is keen to sample Scottish cuisine, and be introduced to the top quality ingredients and products Scotland has to offer.

“As a global chef who is passionate about the culinary arts and their cultural influences, I am absolutely thrilled about the opportunity to work with Chef Brett and to finding out how we can combine our cooking styles using some great Scottish seafood,” she said.

Representatives and ambassadors from the wider Scottish industry will be at the Summit, telling the story of Scotland’s farming and fishing heritage, the drive for sustainability, and most importantly, the passion for delivering unbeatable freshness and taste.

“Industry is also involved in spreading the word about Scottish seafood on our social media networks, which helps to bring Scotland, Singapore and indeed Asia closer together,” said Graham Young. “We welcome comments on the Seafood from Scotland Facebook page or on Twitter, @SeafoodFromScot.”

Chief Executive of Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, Scott Landsburgh, explained that demand for Scottish salmon has never been stronger, with exports to the Far East almost doubling to £85 million last year.

“The World Gourmet Summit offers a platform to educate chefs, buyers and consumers about the exceptional quality and many health benefits provided by Scottish salmon, and how its unique taste and texture make it the ideal ingredient for Asian cuisine. Asia still has a long way to go to reach the heights of our biggest markets, but we are keen to secure an even greater share.” he said.

Neil McInnes, Head of South East Asia for Scottish Development International, the international arm of Scotland’s enterprise agencies, added:

“Singapore has established itself as a global destination for fine dining and I have no doubt that there will be a tremendous appetite for Scotland’s high quality, iconic products amongst those attending the Summit.

“The next two weeks is a fantastic platform to showcase the best seafood Scotland has to offer and we’ll be looking to capitalise on this interest and build new relationships with influential buyers and chefs so we can further increase Scottish exports to the region.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Sponsorship of the World Gourmet Summit is part of a two year collaborative project between Seafood Scotland, the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation, Scottish Quality Salmon and Scottish Development International, match funded through the European Fisheries Fund. The project aims to maximise opportunities for Scottish seafood in emerging markets, educating and informing key target audiences about Scottish Seafood, focusing particularly on 6 key target cities: Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo and Singapore.

Chef Brett and the Scottish seafood and salmon delegation will be at the World Gourmet Summit in Singapore from 26 March to 3 April 2014.

Export figures are sourced from HMRC 2012

Scottish seafood and salmon are participating in the following events at WGS 2014:

26^th March: Press Conference & Opening Reception

Press Conference, Chimes, time TBC

Opening Reception, Suntec City Convention Centre, 19:00 – 22:00

27^th March: Top Table Scottish Dinner for Singapore Chef Association

28^th March: Young Chefs Day

Suntec City Convention Centre, 09:00 – 18:00

29^th March: Jam Session

Suntec City Convention Centre, 09:00 - 18:00

30^th March: Sunday Brunch

Tamarind Hill, 11:00 – 15:00

Seafood Scotland is a not-for-profit organisation set up and run by the Scottish seafood industry to help maximise the value of return to this vital sector. Seafood Scotland’s free enquiry service helps international buyers to source top quality Scottish seafood, through introductions to Scottish processors, wholesalers and fishermen. A searchable online Industry Database is also available. www.seafoodscotland.org

Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) is at the centre of salmon farming’s industry-wide initiatives and public communication. Set up in 2006 as an industry organisation for Scottish salmon farming, SSPO encompasses virtually all Scottish salmon production. The organisation plays a central role in representing the industry on political, regulatory, media and technical issues in Scotland, the UK, EU and internationally.

Scottish Quality Salmon is the management and promotional organisation for Label Rouge Scottish Salmon (LA 33/90)

Scottish Enterprise is Scotland's main economic development agency and aims to deliver a significant, lasting effect on the Scottish economy. Our role is to help identify and exploit the best opportunities for economic growth. We support ambitious Scottish companies to compete within the global marketplace and help build Scotland’s globally competitive sectors. We also work with a range of partners in the public and private sectors to attract new investment to Scotland and to help create a world-class business environment.

Scottish Development International (SDI) works with both overseas and Scottish-based companies and organisations. Its mission is to grow the Scottish economy by encouraging inward investment into Scotland and by helping Scottish-based companies to develop trade outside of Scotland. SDI is a partnership between the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and its work is guided by the Scottish Government’s strategy for economic development in Scotland (www.sdi.co.uk).