Quest Launched for Ultimate Scotch Lamb Butcher of the Year

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has launched a new initiative which aims to find the “Ultimate Scotch Lamb Butcher of the Year”.  

The new competition was introduced to recognise butchers with skills and a real passion for their jobs, who not only take pride in stocking Scotch Lamb PGI and showcasing numerous innovative products using Scotch Lamb.

Members of the Scotch Butchers Club run by QMS who stock Scotch Lamb PGI are invited to enter their best Scotch Lamb products from marinated products to burgers and sausages, ready to eat meats, pies and bakery Items and ready meals.

As well as the Ultimate Scotch Lamb Butcher of the Year Award, there will also be awards for the most innovative Scotch Lamb product and the most consumer-friendly Scotch Lamb product.

The judging panel will include representatives from The Federation of Chefs Scotland and Queen Margaret University’s Gastronomy course, who will cast a critical and expert eye over the entrants’ products.

The judges will be looking for top quality, innovative products that can be cooked quickly and entice consumers to buy Scotch Lamb PGI and to shop with their local butcher.

The awards will mark the end of a 10-week high impact Scotch Lamb marketing campaign by QMS which kicked off in mid-August. The “Wham Bam Lamb” campaign aims to reach almost four million consumers, highlighting Scotch Lamb PGI at its seasonal best.

Butchers who are members of the Scotch Butchers Club retail Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork from suppliers who adhere to the quality standards required by Quality Meat Scotland’s Quality Assurance Scheme.

Graeme Sharp, Marketing Executive at QMS, said these new awards showcase the quality and innovation of Scottish butchers.

“The Scotch Lamb Butcher of the Year award offers an excellent opportunity to celebrate the innovation, enthusiasm and commitment of those retailing Scotch Lamb PGI products which are a cut above the rest.” Said Mr Sharp.

“This new award will be judged primarily on taste – something that Scotch Lamb PGI is renowned for while being underpinned by high levels of traceability, assurance and welfare standards.”

“Butchers are keen to ensure their customers continue to shop with them by offering a fantastic range of top quality products including Scotch Lamb. The awards themselves send out a very positive message about the combination of knowledge, traditional skills and innovation offered by our butchers. I would encourage our talented butchers to enter for some well-deserved recognition.”

Judging for the Scotch Lamb Butcher of the Year will take place on Wednesday October 25th at Edinburgh College. The winners will be announced at the Scottish Chefs (Federation) annual conference in November and those selected for awards will be invited to attend.

For more information on Scotch Lamb PGI, including recipes, videos and tips, visit www.scotchkitchen.com or follow Scotch Kitchen on Facebook or Twitter.