SEAFOOD SCOTLAND PRESENTS TRANSFORMATIONAL INDUSTRY INITIATIVES

Seafood Scotland presents transformational industry initiatives. Read Fish Focus’ latest publication focusing on seafood processing.

Seafood Scotland marked a pivotal moment for Scotland’s seafood industry at the 31st Seafood Expo Global (SEG) in Barcelona, unveiling two landmark initiatives set to enhance resilience, value and global reputation: the launch of the Scottish Quality Langoustine (SQL) scheme and a key milestone reached by the Scottish Ocean Cluster.

The national trade marketing body, supported by Scottish Development International, led Scotland’s presence at the world’s largest seafood trade event. Hosting 14 leading producers representing every stage of the supply chain, from sea to plate, the Scottish pavilion also featured live cooking demonstrations showcasing premium Scottish seafood.

“Seafood Expo Global is the perfect platform to not only showcase some of Scotland’s finest seafood businesses, but also to unveil transformational projects that showcase the ingenuity
and ambition of our sector,” said Donna Fordyce, Chief Executive of Seafood Scotland.

Modelled on the successful Iceland Ocean Cluster, the Scottish Ocean Cluster is a collaborative effort between Seafood Scotland, Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC), Opportunity North East, Aberdeenshire Council and Zero Waste Scotland. The initiative aims to treble the value of Scotland’s seafood side-streams through biotech innovation, zero-waste principles and new product development.

With nearly 60 cross-sector organisations pledging support, the cluster has already reached a significant milestone in its mission to maximise value from existing marine resources.

“The Scottish Ocean Cluster exemplifies industry collaboration, and the forward thinking mindset needed to propel our sector into a more sustainable and prosperous future,” Fordyce added. “It’s about working smarter with what we already have and ensuring Scotland remains a global leader in seafood innovation and excellence.”

Also debuting at SEG was the Scottish Quality Langoustine (SQL) scheme, a new, membership-based programme designed to raise and protect the standard of Scottish langoustine across
harvesting, handling, processing and traceability. Developed in collaboration with fishers, processors and Scottish Producers’ Organisations (POs), SQL addresses post-Brexit and post-Covid
supply chain challenges and responds directly to European buyer feedback.

“The launch of the Scottish Quality Langoustine scheme reinforces Scotland’s position as a global leader in premium seafood,” said Kevin McDonell, Chair of Seafood Scotland’s board and
CEO of one of the backing POs. “This isn’t about reinventing the wheel; it’s about highlighting and protecting the quality we know exists in our langoustine sector.

“What makes this scheme particularly powerful is that it’s been created by the industry, consulting with fishers. That level of collaboration and ownership has been crucial in building trust, ensuring practical implementation and, ultimately, delivering a scheme that people believe in.”

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, welcomed the initiatives and praised Scotland’s coordinated efforts at the Expo.

“Seafood Scotland’s attendance at the Expo is an important pillar of their wider international work to elevate the profile of premium Scottish seafood products,” she said. “I welcome the launch of the Scottish Quality Langoustine label. This standard will be the first of its kind in this sector and it will help ensure that Scotland retains its rightful reputation for the highest quality langoustines.”

Gougeon also expressed support for the innovation driven by the Scottish Ocean Cluster:

“I look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of the Scottish Ocean Cluster. I am hopeful that this will help drive further innovation and sustainability in our seafood, while at the same time
maximising the value that we get from those products.”