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Arbroath Smokie in international debut
04/05/2004
The Arbroath Smokie will today make its international
debut at the world's largest seafood exhibition in
Brussels.
The smokie, which recently joined a select band of
European speciality products by achieving Protected
Geographical Indication (PGI) status, was just one of the
seafood products from more than 40 Scottish companies on
view to international buyers at the European Seafood
Exposition (ESE).
Rural Development Minister Ross Finnie hosted a
reception for Scottish exhibitors and international guests,
including representatives of the European Union's new
Member States.
The Minister said:
"Scotland's seafood industry rightly enjoys an
outstanding international reputation. The many Scottish
companies represented here are at the forefront of
untapping the commercial potential associated with that
reputation.
"With high quality produce and expert processing skills,
Scottish seafood and shellfish companies are currently
contributing around half of Scotland's total food exports
of £500 million.
"The Scottish Pavillion is one of the largest here at
ESE. Over the last three years it has helped participating
companies to generate some £33.7 million a year. The
additional turnover has helped to create an extra 145
Scottish jobs.
"Each year buyers from around the world are introduced
to new Scottish products. It is particularly gratifying to
see a traditional dish added to this list.
"Executive support for the Smokie's status has already
helped to create new jobs in Arbroath, now the only
location in Europe with the right to produce smokies.
"I look forward to more jobs being created around
Scotland, and many thousands more jobs being sustained, as
a result of the success that companies are achieving here
today."
The Scottish Pavillion at ESE is the initiative of
Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and
Scottish Development International.
The Arbroath Smokie was awarded Protected Geographical
Indication status by the European Commission on March 2,
joining names such as Roquefort cheese, Stilton and Jambon
d'Ardenne in achieving protection against imitators.
Processed fish accounts for around half of Scottish
processed food exports, currently standing at £500 million.
Almost 50 per cent of UK fish processing employment is
based in Scotland.
Direct employment in fishing and fish processing
accounts for over 16,000 jobs.