Salmon farmer hosts Japanese diplomats in Edinburgh
Bakkafrost helps Seafood Scotland rebuild important export market damaged by Covid
Salmon farmer Bakkafrost Scotland has hosted a meeting between Seafood Scotland and diplomats from the Japanese Consulate to discuss the importance of the Japanese market to the Scottish seafood sector, and how products are perceived by Japanese consumers.
Yesterday’s meeting, which came in advance of the International Seafood & Technology Expo in Tokyo in a few weeks, was held at Bakkafrost’s Edinburgh headquarters.
Adam Wing, head of trade marketing for the UK, Middle East & Asia at Seafood Scotland, invited Tadashi Fujiwara, the Consul General of Japan in Edinburgh, and Japan’s cultural diplomat Sora Sato, to sample Scottish seafood prepared in Japanese styles.
Featuring species such as mackerel, salmon, langoustines, brown crab and lobster, the dishes included nigiri, gunkan (sushi shaped liked small boats), and sushi rolls. All were prepared by Edinburgh restaurant, Harajuku Kitchen.
'Only the best'
Japan is a key market for Scottish seafood suppliers, who prior to the Covid pandemic exported more than 2,000 tonnes of product worth more than £16 million to the country each year. Seafood Scotland is continuing to support Scottish companies to recover this export market and make the most of the trade opportunities presented.
Wing said: “When it comes to seafood, Japanese consumers demand only the best, requiring high quality and traceability. Their appreciation of Scottish seafood products is a real testament to the work our seafood sector has put in to ensure excellence in quality, freshness, and flavour.”
Scottish farmed salmon already enjoys Geographic Indicator status in Japan,
Fujiwara said: “Scotland's reputation for producing high quality sustainable seafood is one of the key reasons that demand for Scottish seafood continues to increase in Japan. I am confident that with support from Seafood Scotland, Scottish exporters will enjoy greater access to the discerning Japanese market.”
Trade buyers
The Japan International Seafood & Technology Expo will take place in Tokyo on 23-25 August. Seafood Scotland will host seven Scottish exporters on its pavilion which will be delivered in partnership with Scottish Development International, the Department for Business & Trade, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and Seafish.
Companies will be supported throughout the expo with trade expertise, on-stand promotional activity, and sampling demonstrations. Seafood Scotland and Scottish Development International will also host around 100 trade buyers for a Celebration of Scottish Seafood at the British Embassy, Tokyo hosted by the British Ambassador to Japan, Julia Longbottom.
Wing added: “Visiting Japan is always a highlight for me, but I’m especially looking forward to my visit next month for the International Seafood & Technology Expo. It will be a great opportunity to remind everyone of why Scotland’s reputation for quality, sustainable seafood is second to none.”
