This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Improving links in the food supply chain
23/08/2005
Better links between producers, processors and retailers
are key to a successful Scottish farming industry, a
Minister said today.
Minister for Rural Development Ross Finnie today met
with representatives from Somerfield supermarket and Albert
Bartlett & Sons, a major potato
processor. They discussed the operation of their successful
supply chain providing consumers with top quality
potatoes.
Mr Finnie said:
"The vision we have set out for Scottish agriculture is
for a more market focused industry. It is encouraging
therefore to see producers, processors and retailers
working closely to deliver what the customer wants.
"Bartlett's have developed a successful supply chain
initiative along with developing a brand identity for their
Rooster potatoes.
"Their initiative has been recognised through two Food
from Scotland Excellence Awards for best fruit and
vegetable products and for promotion of healthy eating.
"The majority of potatoes sold in Somerfield are now
supplied by Scottish growers through Albert Bartlett and
sons in Airdrie. I look forward to many more Scottish
companies following in their footsteps."
Bartlett's won two awards at the Food From Scotland
Excellence Awards earlier this year. These were both for
their Rooster Potatoes and were in the categories of Best
Fruit or Vegetable Product and Healthy Eating (Marketing
Promotion in Retail and Food Service). The new marketing
drive for Rooster potatoes with a recipe on each pack from
Chef Andrew Fairlie has proved particularly successful.
Somerfield were established in 1875 in Bristol and now
have 1300 stores UK wide. 180 stores are in Scotland which
gives them a market share of 12.5 per cent.
Somerfield were keen to discuss support for Scottish
producers and opportunities to promote Scottish produce to
local customers and customers across the UK.