This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Minister praises food firms consumer focus
31/10/2002
Environment Minister Ross Finnie last night commended
the co-operation of Tesco and McIntosh Donald for working
together in the interests of consumers.
Speaking at the annual general meeting of the McIntosh
Donald Producers Club in Aberdeen, Mr Finnie said:
"This Producer Club is an excellent example of
collaboration and co-operation, with producers, processors
and retailers working together in the interests of
consumers. This is what consumers want and expect.
"Such collaborative ventures shorten the supply chain
between producer and consumer removing unnecessary cost and
ensuring that all partners in the chain are more fully
aware of the requirement and expectations of each other.
These are key themes of the Forward Strategy for Scottish
Agriculture which I launched last year."
Mr Finnie also welcomed support given by McIntosh
McDonald and Tesco towards moves to define 'Scotch beef' as
only that being born, reared and slaughtered in Scotland,
as recognised in the Strategy.
Quality Meat Scotland has submitted an application to
the European Commission to redefine its Scotch beef PGI
(Protected Geographical Indication) to include only animals
born, bred and slaughtered in accordance with quality
assurance requirements.
The Minister said:
"These amendments to the PGI will provide a clear and
unequivocal specification of Scotch Beef, removing any
doubts in the minds of consumers and meeting their
expectations and requirements regarding country of origin
labelling.''
McIntosh Donald employs 350 staff and has an annual
turnover of £60 million. Their annual kill is in excess of
70,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep. Tesco is their main
customer (65 per cent of sales) and McIntosh Donald is the
multiple's sole supplier of Scotch Beef and Lamb.