John Gilmour Butchers proudly marked a milestone with their successful launch to the London foodservice and hospitality market at a prestigious event at Dover House on 9 September 2024. The exclusive event took place by kind permission of the Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray MP, and brought together close to 100 key figures from the culinary, hospitality and political sectors, including Scottish MPs.
As proud members of Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), Gilmours showcased their commitment to the highest standards of Scottish red meat. Guests enjoyed a showcase of Scotland’s finest Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork paired with wines from Corney & Barrow, while engaging in networking and learning about the craftsmanship behind Gilmours’ renowned brand.
The afternoon featured addresses from distinguished guests including The Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Secretary of State for Scotland; Sarah Millar, CEO of QMS; and the Gilmour family, who have long led their family-run butchery wholesale business.
The Scottish Secretary highlighted the government’s commitment to working with Scottish red meat stakeholders to promote ‘Brand Scotland’ internationally, showcasing the amazing food produced in Scotland, as well as the important role of the Scottish red meat sector in supporting food security and environmental protection.
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Tom Gibson, Director of Business Development at QMS, delivered a presentation on the Scotch Beef Club; a group of chefs and restaurants dedicated to showcasing the finest cuts of Scotch product.
He emphasised that its members take great pride in serving red meat that is fully traceable, quality assured, and sourced from trusted, reputable farms, ensuring the highest standards of provenance and quality.
Guests also experienced live butchery demonstrations by Gilmour Head Butcher Ryan Grey, who exhibited the exceptional quality and skill behind Scotch Beef production.
Sarah Millar, CEO of QMS, said: “There is significant opportunity and capacity to position our premium, world-renowned Scottish red meat brands in London, which has some of the top restaurants and hospitality services in not only in the UK but across the globe.
“We encourage our members to confidently explore this vast market landscape and it’s fantastic to be here supporting this latest initiative from Gilmour Butchers as an example for this.
“The turn out at this event is testament to the appetite for the very best of Scotch meat across our border.
“As part of our five-year strategy, taking a business first approach is key to our collective success. If you are a QMS member and would like to discuss sales and distribution opportunities, and how we can support you to market the Scotch brand please get in touch with our Market Development team – marketdevelopment@qmscotland.co.uk.”
Dan Gilmour, Owner from Gilmour Butchers said: “We are incredibly proud to have introduced the Gilmour brand to the London market and to have celebrated with such an esteemed audience.
“This event has been a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the quality, craftsmanship and dedication behind our products, and we look forward to continuing to deliver excellence to our customers.”
The launch has helped highlight Gilmour Butchers as a leader in the Scotch Beef and red meat markets, and the event was a testament to our commitment to bringing Scotland’s finest beef to the forefront of the high-end, London foodservice industry.
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