While NZ suppliers account for more than 50% of Canadian imports of fresh and frozen lamb, Scotland is stuck on zero.
QMS is determined to change that, however, with its strategic engagement director Laurent Vernet declaring Canada offers significant potential for Scotch lamb sales growth.
Speaking ahead of leading a Scotland, England and Wales promotional effort at this month’s SIAL Canada trade show in Montreal, he said Canadian consumers have a genuine appetite for quality natural lamb produced under traditional grass-fed and extensive methods, exactly what Scotland can provide.
“SIAL Canada is a fantastic opportunity for us to meet with buyers, reinforce our key messaging and secure trade for our exceptional brands with a specific focus on Scotch Lamb,” Vernet said.
According to the latest Canadian import statistics 2228 tonnes of fresh and frozen NZ lamb and 469 tonnes of frozen NZ mutton arrived in Canada between January and March. That represented an import share of 52.2% and 58.3% respectively for the two categories.
It’s against that background that QMS, in partnership with the England-based Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board and HCC/Meat Promotion Wales, earmarked SIAL Canada for special attention. The event, from May 2-4, attracted more than 850 national and international exhibitors alongside 15,000 buyers from Canada, the United States and 60 other countries.
QMS set its sights on a select band of key buyers, treating them to what Vernet described as the ultimate Scottish ingredient combo of Scotch Lamb and some of the world’s finest Scottish seafood, served to an influential gathering of potential customers at a high-profile international dinner.
