T. 07768 654955 E. scott.walker@scconsultancy.uk
Funding support totalling £60,000 over the next three years has been presented by the Worshipful Company of Butchers (WCB) to Aberlour Children’s Charity, one of Scotland’s largest charities, which is committed to building brighter lives for children and young people.
The presentation, marking the first time WCB has allocated one of its main charity donations to a Scottish organisation, was made by WCB Master, Gwyn Howells, during a burger-making launch event in Glasgow.
“Liverymen of the Worshipful Company of Butchers throughout Great Britain are pleased and very proud to contribute donated funds, expertise and a great deal of enthusiasm to Aberlour to help meet the charity’s commitment in support of children and young people,” said Gwyn Howells.
(l-r) Alistair Donaldson, WCB; Scott Walker, SAMW; Madison Napier, Young Person supported by Aberlour Youthpoint Glasgow (AYG); Justina Murray, Aberlour Chief Executive; Daniel Lewis, Young Person AYG; Gwyn Howells, Master of the Worshipful Company of Butchers; and Kayleb McNeill, Young Person AYG; and Isla Roebuck, Dunbia.
The Master joined a group of four young people from Aberlour in a burger-making workshop run by Gordon Newlands, Brands Development Manager at Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).
It’s planned that many further opportunities will be created over the coming three years for young people from Aberlour to take part in food, meat, and farming experiences, enabled by WCB’s funding and carried through with the practical support of meat sector leaders in Scotland.
“We are delighted to be chosen as the charity partner of the prestigious Worshipful Company of Butchers for the next three years,” said Aberlour’s Chief Executive, Justina Murray. “Our young people will, as a result, have wonderful opportunities to participate in a diverse range of activities including those related to the food and farming sectors.
“Thank you so very much to everyone involved for your generous contribution, it is very much appreciated.”
The Scottish-based team behind the planning and preparation for WCB’s funding pledge was headed by Isla Roebuck of Dunbia. Strong support was also given by Alistair Donaldson, WCB; Iain Brown, Campbells Prime Meat; Christian Nissen, Highland Game; Alan Craig, Cosmo Pizza; Lucy Husband, Husband Business Consultancy; Amanda Buitelaar, WCB; Rory Duff, WCB; Alan Stevenson, WCB; Gordon Newlands, WCB; Dan Gilmore, WCB; Sarah Millar, CEO QMS; Scott Walker, Executive Manager SAMW; Gordon King, Scottish Craft Butchers; and Glasgow Fleshers.
About Aberlour
Aberlour is one of the largest Scottish children’s charities, helping to build brighter lives for Scotland’s children and young people. At Aberlour we know that not all children are born with an equal chance. Together, we will be brave for children, young people and families and will overcome poverty, disadvantage and discrimination.
Aberlour’s mission is to reach Scotland’s disadvantaged children as early as possible to stop damage being done, before families reach crisis point, before it’s too late. Taking action quickly, significantly improves long-term outcomes for children and young people.
Visit – www.aberlour.org.uk – for more information.
About the Worshipful Company of Butchers
The Worshipful Company of Butchers is one of the oldest of the 114 City of London Livery Companies – tracing its roots all the way back to 975 AD.
The Company, and its home at Butchers’ Hall in Smithfield, is at the heart of the British meat industry. Membership unites individuals from all sectors of the industry and beyond, who, together, embrace and seek to enhance the Company’s commitment to Charity, Education and Fellowship.
Visit – www.butchershall.com – for more information.
A recent rapid evidence review by the Food Standards Agency on consumer views of cell-cultivated products offers a useful reality check. Drawing on UK and international studies alongside FSA survey data, the review highlights how shoppers really feel about lab-grown meat. While the topic attracts significant media attention, the research suggests that mainstream consumer acceptance remains far from assured.
The findings are clear. Most consumers are either unwilling or unsure about eating cell-cultivated meat. Concerns about safety, naturalness, and the impact on farmers are widespread. Awareness of these products is still relatively low, and first impressions are cautious. Shoppers question how these products are made, how “natural” they are, and what this means for nutrition, safety, and transparency. In a climate of growing concern over ultra-processed foods, these worries are significant.
Willingness to consume cell-cultivated meat in the UK has not increased significantly over the past two years. Around 85% of people report concerns, particularly regarding safety, unnaturalness, and potential impacts on farmers.
Trust is another central theme. Consumers consistently show greater confidence in familiar, established food systems and regulatory structures than in newer production technologies. Clear labelling, robust regulation, and transparent communication are repeatedly identified as essential if acceptance is to grow.
Price and taste also remain decisive factors. Evidence suggests most consumers are unlikely to switch from conventional meat unless cultivated alternatives match on flavour, texture and, critically, affordability. Where price premiums are expected, willingness to purchase drops sharply.
For the UK meat sector, these findings reinforce an important point: consumers continue to value real, recognisable meat products produced within trusted, regulated supply chains. Innovation will continue across the protein landscape, but consumer choice will ultimately be guided by confidence, clarity, value, and eating quality — areas where traditional meat continues to perform strongly.
For the full FSA paper click here
Scott Walker
Frank Ross, Gareth Scott, and Isla Roebuck have been appointed as new members of the Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) Board.
SAMW welcomes these appointments and considers them to be strong additions to the Board. Each of the new members brings significant processing-sector experience, which will help strengthen the Board’s practical insight and industry balance. We believe their expertise will contribute a fresh and well-grounded understanding of the commercial realities facing the processing sector and will support informed decision-making within QMS.
A Sector with Strong Demand but Political Headwinds
Enduring consumer demand for red meat emerged as a clear positive for Scotland’s producers and processors as industry leaders gathered at the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers’ (SAMW) Annual New Year Lunch (NYL) in Edinburgh.
Asked to reflect on what is working well—and what is not—for the red meat sector as we look ahead to 2026, a pre-lunch panel discussion struck a balanced tone. Panellists and delegates alike were upbeat about the strength and resilience of Scottish red meat production, while expressing deep frustration at the lack of political understanding and support for the industry that will drive growth.
Strong Foundations and Growing Optimism
(l-r) Scott Jarron, Nick Allen, and Sarah Millar.
Leading the discussion on the distinguished panel were Scott Jarron, Dundee butcher, and past president of Scottish Craft Butchers; Nick Allen, Chief Executive of the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA); and Sarah Millar, Chief Executive of Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). Delegates also contributed actively to the debate during the panel discussion and the rest of the day
On the positive side, there was strong agreement that consumers continue to want—and buy—red meat. This was seen as a major boost for the sector, particularly when set against previous periods of market turbulence and sustained pressure from anti-meat campaigning in more recent years.
With international markets also presenting valuable sales opportunities, delegates felt there remains clear scope for further demand growth. Renewed optimism among suckler producers was highlighted as especially encouraging, with confidence levels described as possibly the strongest seen in the past decade. Demand for protein, one delegate noted, is very much “having its heyday.”
Political Frustrations Remain
However, the most significant concerns raised centred on the role of politicians and officials. Delegates expressed frustration that too many decision-makers appear unwilling to recognise the economic, social and food security value of a strong Scottish and British red meat industry.
Strong delegate involvement
Some delegates argued that, over the past five to seven years, little tangible action has been taken by politicians to actively advance the sector. Words of support were too often not matched by delivery.
Strengthening Supply Chain Relationships
When discussion turned to relationships between farmers and processors, delegates acknowledged that perceptions vary widely depending on where producers sit within the supply chain. While many processors and finishers enjoy strong, mutually beneficial partnerships, there is scope to do more.
An increased focus on partnership working and improving understanding across the supply chain is essential. Greater transparency and collaboration were seen as key to strengthening resilience and shared success.
At the same time, concern was raised about the damaging impact of misinformation. Delegates agreed that the industry gains nothing when inaccurate or misleading narratives are injected into debate, undermining trust, and progress.
Looking Ahead
Jane McHarg, General Manager at Dunbia Highland Meats
The message from the NYL was clear: Scotland’s red meat sector has strong foundations, resilient demand, and real growth potential. But unlocking that potential will require political leadership that moves beyond rhetoric, alongside continued collaboration across the supply chain to ensure the industry remains competitive, confident, and future-focused.
Thank you to Dunbia Highland Meats for the top class NYL steaks.
Sandy was a strong and extremely active member of SAMW’s Executive Council and will be missed by all who knew him and worked with him in his determination to help improve the state and prosperity of the Scottish red meat industry. He was always a refreshingly clear voice within the Executive and was never afraid to speak his mind whenever the political or regulatory situation required a bit of straight talking. He was also a good friend to us all.
Colin Ley
Why Meat Matters for Scotland’s Children
A new report from Food Standards Scotland (FSS), produced in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, has shed important light on the nutritional importance of meat and dairy in the diets of Scotland’s children and young people and has once again underlined a simple but vital truth: meat matters.
The study explored what might happen if meat and dairy consumption were reduced, following a recommendation from the UK’s Climate Change Committee for a 20% cut in meat consumption by 2030, rising to 35% by 2050. What the findings make clear, however, is just how significant a role meat plays in supporting the health, growth and development of Scotland’s young people.
Meat: A Key Source of Essential Nutrients
On any given day, around 90% of Scottish children and young people eat meat, and almost 100% consume dairy. These foods are not just popular they are nutritional cornerstones. The report highlights that meat and dairy provide many of the essential nutrients that growing bodies need, including protein, iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, calcium, and vitamin B12.
Importantly, the research found that some of these nutrients especially zinc, iodine, and calcium are already too low in many young people’s diets, particularly among 11–15-year-olds. Reducing meat or dairy intake could make those deficiencies worse, even when care is taken to replace them with other foods.
A Risk of Nutrient Gaps
The study’s authors caution that, while it’s possible to replace some of the nutrients provided by meat and dairy, it’s not always sufficient. Many children and teenagers are already at risk of low micronutrient intake, and cutting meat and dairy could exacerbate those deficiencies, with potential consequences for growth, energy levels, and cognitive development.
In short, the report recognises that meat and dairy remain vital contributors to a balanced diet, particularly for young people who may already be struggling to eat well.
Climate Ambitions Need Nutritional Balance
While the research acknowledges that reducing meat and dairy could help to lower greenhouse gas emissions, it also notes that children and young people make up only 15% of Scotland’s population meaning the environmental gains from cutting their meat consumption would be relatively small compared to the potential nutritional risks.
The report concludes that any future dietary changes must be carefully balanced to avoid worsening existing health and nutrition issues. As it stands, achieving climate goals safely would only be possible if children’s overall diets improved in line with the Eatwell Guide. A challenge that requires a shift in children’s diets to a much wider range of food choices than what they eat now and cannot simply be achieved by meat or dairy restrictions.
Supporting Healthy, Balanced Diets
For parents, educators, and policymakers, the takeaway is clear: meat and dairy play a vital role in keeping Scotland’s young people healthy. Rather than removing these foods, the focus should be on encouraging balance, variety, and quality ensuring children eat enough fruit, vegetables, and whole grains alongside nutrient-rich meat.
As the debate around sustainable diets continues, this research is a timely reminder that good nutrition starts with balance, not restriction and that meat continues to be an important part of that equation for growing children.
SAMW’s 2025 conference attracted a strong line-up of speakers and sponsors, enabling members and guests to embrace a range of key issues from how to boost livestock numbers to the impact of weight loss drugs on meat demand and the challenge of net zero farming.
(l-r) Robert Neill, Alan Brown, Andrew Niven & Prof. John Gilliland
Association president, Alan Brown, set the tone for the conference debate with his ‘Grow Baby Grow’ challenge to the nation’s political leaders (as reported in our news section).
No commitment on cow numbers
Jim Fairlie, Scotland’s Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, who joined the conference via video link, assured delegates of his support for the industry, describing the red meat sector as being vital to the country’s economy.
Telling the conference audience that he wanted to work to make sure the country’s red meat industry has a sustainable future, Fairlie added that he had ‘no policy to reduce livestock numbers in Scotland’.
Conference delegates
When challenged during a question session on his presentation that his comments amounted to ‘hollow words’, the Minister said he disagreed with such a charge.
Asked to support a call to restore Scottish livestock numbers to 2020 levels, however, the Minister declined to do so, stating that it wasn’t the government’s job to say ‘keep more cows’.
More cows for me
NFU Scotland, vice president, Robert Neill, assured meat processing listeners that he for one was committed to increasing cow numbers on the family farm in the Scottish Borders, a message that went down well with delegates.
Weight loss drugs and meat demand
Andrew Niven from Scotland Food & Drink’s Knowledge Bank delivered a detailed assessment of how meat demand might be impacted by the developing use of weight loss drugs. (A full report on his presentation is being prepared).
Net Zero challenge and success
Professor John Gilliland, a willow and livestock farmer from Northern Ireland, told delegates about his own successful journey to ‘Beyond net zero’, urging the UK to ‘get its act together’ on net zero livestock production.
A special adviser to Quality Meat Scotland and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, Prof Gilliland left the conference audience in no doubt that there is plenty of room for positivity in the future management of net zero in farming. (A full report on this presentation is also being prepared).
Sponsors
Finally, a massive thanks to all our 2025 conference sponsors whose support for this important industry even is hugely appreciated:
Conference displays pictured below:
Thanks also to ABP who supplied dry aged sirloin joints for the conference lunch.
Deadline to enter – May 23
The 2025 Meat Industry Awards programme, staged each year by Meat Management magazine, is well underway, with the organisers reminding participants that the final deadline for product nominations is May 23.
The annual Awards is the UK’s biggest annual initiative of its kind and recognises the best of the best across various product categories, plus highlighting the leading people, trade bodies and companies via a voting and nomination process too.
Free entry for products is quick and easy, and businesses both large and small can nominate their products or vote in all 21 categories. The number of product nominations allowed in each category is unlimited, and products can also be nominated across multiple categories.
The judging periods will culminate in the 2025 ceremony, held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, near to the NEC, on Thursday evening 18th September. This year, celebrity magician and comedian Pete Firman will host the awards alongside Meat Management publisher Graham Yandell MBE.
Graham Yandell commented: “After such a positive response to our 2024 Meat Management Meat Industry Awards, we are seeing high volumes of product nominations and voting. This year’s initiative could well be our biggest yet.
Head Judge for product evaluations Keith Fisher of the IoM added: “Along with fellow judges I am looking forward to evaluating and tasting the diverse range of products that have been nominated. This is an ideal opportunity for companies to put their products on the map and to enhance branding and company image.
“The message is; make sure all your products are nominated by the deadline Friday 23rd May. It’s going to be another great year for judging products I’m sure.”
For more information about the 2025 Meat Management Meat Industry Awards, head to meatmanagement.com/awards or email Libby Goodwin on 01908 613323.
The 2025 New Year Lunch panel session addressed “The Future of Red Meat” during a well-attended annual event in Edinburgh on January 10. Panel members (pictured below) fielded a wide range of questions from SAMW members and guests with a key focus placed on this year’s projected livestock supplies and the urgent need arrest the continuing decline in numbers.
NYL panel: (l-r) Roisin Turner, Group Commercial Manager, Stoddart’s; John Sleigh, Editor, Scottish Farmer; Andrew Niven, Strategic Market Intelligence Manager, Scotland Food & Drink; and Orla Sherry, Kepak Technical Director, Meat Division UK.
Quality Meat Scotland highlights the economic potential of Scotland’s beef sector
Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) highlighted the economic potential of Scotland’s beef sector, current industry concerns and changes on cattle herd at the annual Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW) conference and lunch on Friday 6 September 2024.
QMS Chief Executive, Sarah Millar and QMS Market Intelligence Manager, Iain Macdonald addressed the Scottish red meat processing industry at The Pavilion in Ingliston on the economic opportunities and challenges facing the Scottish beef herd.
Iain Macdonald said: “Our recently published Red Meat Industry Profile report highlights continued strong appetite for beef in Scotland, with an 8% increase in consumer spending on red meat and a rise in red meat processing turnover for a fourth consecutive year by 1% to £975 million. This popularity and the foreseeable demand from a growing UK population is set against a further reduction in the suckler herd, with beef cow numbers down by 2.5% year-on-year in December 2023 and an annual fall in calf registrations of 2.7%, which will have a knock-on effect to prime beef output once these cattle reach slaughter age in 2025.
“We have developed a projections model which shows that if action was taken in three areas of performance – stabilising the beef herd against the long-term downwards trend, boosting productivity of the breeding herd and slowing the outflow of prime cattle to England and Wales – the projected decline based on existing trends could be reversed with potential to generate a significant boost to the Scottish economy.”
The growth scenario includes an extra £76.6 million of output and £17.5 million of GVA added to the Scottish economy through the prime beef sector in 2030 compared to 2023. In addition, output is £143.1 million higher and GVA £36.1 million higher in this growth model when compared against the 2030 baseline scenario. As well as beef production on Scotland’s farms and in its processing sector, this modelling accounts for the additional supply chain effects which help underpin the economic vitality and social fabric of Scotland’s rural communities.
Sarah Millar said: “We are proud to support this crucial conference, which brings together key players across Scotland’s red meat processing sector.
“Scotland’s iconic beef sector is at the heart of Scottish agriculture and food and drink manufacturing, adding economic value across almost every constituency. Our model highlights significant economic opportunities for the Scottish red meat sector which has a positive impact that ripples through our society.
“We must collectively rally to halt, reverse and improve current trajectories which show a further reduction in the number of Scottish-born cattle if underlying trends were to continue. QMS is working closely with key stakeholders from across the red meat supply chain on action to boost productivity and support the case for systemic change for the sector and those industries and communities which rely on its success.”
In addition, QMS shared the initial tranche of results from research it has been undertaking into farmer decision making, further exploring some of the ‘why’s’ behind recent changes in the beef herd.
These findings demonstrate that there is no one single reason across the country that is impacting on suckler herd decline, with a mix of concerns being profitability levels, an aging workforce, availability of labour and confidence in agricultural support payments. Additional factors included increased administrative costs and movements into other sectors such as sheep, dairy and arable farming.
The top factors influencing the cohort which stopped farming were availability of labour and input costs, and, for the cohort which decreased their herd size, profitability was ranked as the main reason.
Sarah Millar also updated the industry audience on QMS’s five-year strategy to 2028 to make Scotland the choice for premium red meat.
T: 07768 654955 E: scott.walker@scconsultancy.uk
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