T. 07768 654955 E. scott.walker@scconsultancy.uk
Mairi Gourgeon
Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, speaking at the end of the week in which she unveiled the Scottish Government’s consultation on its forthcoming Agriculture Bill, told SAMW members and guests: “Livestock is essential and will continue to be essential.”
Sarah Miller
Sarah Miller, Chief Executive, Quality Meat Scotland, talking about the consumers of 2030: “Our research shows that 62% of consumers (in 2030) will be ‘eco actives’. That means they will be taking the effect of the environment into account when making purchasing decisions. This presents us with an opportunity when you consider that emissions from livestock are much lower than the global average.”
Lesley Ann Gray
Lesley Ann Gray, Strategic Insight Director, Kantar Scotland: “Scotland’s red meat sector is in a prime position to give shoppers what they are looking for with 40% of Scotland’s eco-actives looking for country of origin and a similar number for an animal welfare stamp on packaging.”
SAMW’s 2022 conference made a welcome return after a Covid-enforced two-year break with a new one-day format and an impressive array of speakers.
Helping members and guests address the conference theme – A sustainable future for red meat supply – were:
(l-r) Sarah Miller, Ian Bentley, Heather Kelman & Lesley Ann Gray
SAMW’s leadership team of Ian Bentley (centre), President; Alan Brown (left), vice-President; and Martin Morgan, Executive Manager (right), pictured during the Royal Highland Show 2022.
The new President of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW) is Ian Bentley, who brings a 30-year career in food retailing to the role, alongside his current meat sector involvement with Scotbeef Ltd., and as a Board member of both Quality Meat Scotland, and the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA).
Ian Bentley
“The Scottish meat industry faces a lot of challenges, most of which are macro issues common to both farmers and processors alike,” said Ian. “Our most pressing priority is to deliver on our net zero targets whilst maintaining on-farm stock numbers, and the whole industry needs to stand together as we embark on this important journey. If I can help by leading SAMW within that context, then I will be delighted to do so.
“I’m also optimistic, however, for the future of the Scottish meat industry. It’s easy to see all the challenges and problems, of course, but at the same time we have a terrific industry and terrific opportunities, both domestically and in relation to export potential. I look forward, therefore, to addressing both the challenges and opportunities facing our industry in the months and years ahead.”
Ian’s food retailing career culminated in a senior management role in the Marks and Spencer Food Division, which included spells of responsibility for the organisation’s meat category.
More recently he joined Scotland’s largest meat processor, Scotbeef Ltd., Bridge of Allan, as a non-executive Director, and is currently a board member of both QMS and BMPA.
Ian joined SAMW’s Executive Council in 2021, contributing to the leadership of the organisation under the presidency of Alan McNaughton, who stepped down at this week’s AGM.
“Alan has served SAMW as President with great distinction on two separate occasions, contributing hugely to the Association’s role within the Scottish meat industry,” said Ian. “We appreciate his work and commitment to SAMW over many years and thank him for his dedication to defending and enhancing meat sector interests in Scotland.”
T: 07768 654955 E: scott.walker@scconsultancy.uk
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