Trainee butchers in Scotland have been learning how to create quality meat products through the Scotch Butchers Club, run by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).
QMS partnered with industry leaders to provide learning opportunities for 24 apprentice butchers across Scotland, with the aim of innovating value-added products.
Held at Yorkes of Dundee and Strachans Craft Butchers in Larkhall, the events were led by Erin Conroy from herbs and spices specialist Verstegen, and Peter Rushforth from butchery supplier Innovative Food Ingredients.
Erin and Peter first demonstrated how to create value-added products, before letting the apprentices have hands-on experience themselves.
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Among the products they made included Scotch Beef chilli enchiladas, Specially Selected Pork peppercorn tenderloin, and a Scotch Lamb balti.
The focus of the events were to show promising young butchers insights and skills that will enhance their craft and push the boundaries of innovation.
Gordon Newlands, brand manager at QMS said: “Product innovation remains key to enhancing profitability for Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb, and Specially Selected Pork. By aligning with consumer preferences and offering innovative meal solutions, the butchery sector continues to thrive.
“Collaboration with industry partners, including Verstegen and Innovative Food Ingredients, highlights QMS’s commitment to empowering young butchers and driving sales within independent butcher shops.”
Sarah McLauchlan, an apprentice butcher from Strachan Craft Butchers in East Kilbride attended the event.
She said that it was to meet other apprentices, and was motivated by their ideas.
“I’ve noticed a growing demand from consumers for kitchen-ready products, which fits in perfectly with my role within the butcher shop and I have a real passion for it. I’m really excited about making dishes that customers want,” she said.
“Younger consumers are finding new recipes on TikTok and social media, then coming to the butcher shop for the ingredients to make them at home using their ovens or air fryers. It is great to see young people use their local butcher shop, and we need to make sure we are providing them with what they want.”
QMS also plan to host more Value Added events in the North East and highlands of Scotland.
Information about the Butchery Careers programme can be found here.
