A CONTINGENT of Scottish seafood companies heading east for the Japan Seafood Expo 2019 is set to bolster Scotland’s growing seafood trade with Japan.
Scotland’s seafood exports to Japan increased fourfold to over 2630 tonnes last year, up from 598 tonnes in 2017.
The group, made up of 10 companies, represents a substantial proportion of Scotland’s catch, and this year’s delegation marks the largest representation yet.
The companies will present Scottish seafood at its best, showcasing a wide range of Scottish species and techniques, such as Scottish smoked and fresh salmon, haddock, mackerel, herring, crab, lobster and langoustine.
Two of the companies, JPL Shellfish and Associated Seafoods, will see the show for the first time.
Associated Seafoods works with two of Scotland’s traditional industries: the country’s renowned salmon and the time-honoured craft of smoking.
The company has invested heavily in its factory and people, ensuring the traditions remain part of a modern food business.
Neil Greig, commercial director at Associated Seafoods, said: “We see Japan as a new and exciting opportunity for Associated Seafoods. We know the Japanese consumer values high-quality seafood, and we believe our authentic, premium Scottish smoked salmon is ideally placed to be well received by arguably the world’s most discerning seafood consumer.
“We already have a track record of delivering excellent quality and service to a number of leading global retailers and believe Japan represents a major opportunity. The support and guidance we have received from Seafood Scotland in the past in opening new markets has been invaluable, and we see them playing an important role as we move forward in Japan.”
Scottish chef Scott Lyall will also be joining the delegation to prepare and showcase the versatility of Scottish products, fresh from the Seafood from Scotland stand. He will demonstrate how Scottish seafood can be used for more traditional Japanese cuisine and offer tasters to attendees.
The Japan Seafood Expo 2019 will be attended by a host of important international trade buyers from trading companies, wholesalers, distributors, retail and the restaurant trade, who will be among the 35,000 visitors expected at the show.
As one of the largest consumers of seafood in the world, Japan is a key market for producers from Scotland, with a growing demand for high-quality, sustainable seafood in volume. By coming together as a delegation, the companies ensure that ‘buying Scottish’ is a prominent message, reaching those that influence eating and buying habits across the Asia region.
The Japan export support programme delivered by Seafood Scotland and Scottish Development International has made a significant difference by educating trade buyers and maximising opportunities for new species through trade engagement activities such as the Japan Seafood Expo.
Natalie Bell, Head of Trade Marketing Asia, Europe and Middle East at Seafood Scotland, commented: “The Japanese culture values prestige, reputation and respect above all else, with consumers aligning themselves with products and organisations that embody these values – the Scottish seafood story is the perfect fit.”
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