MEMBERS UPDATE 24TH JANUARY 2025

Scottish Meat Trade Fair – Dewars Centre, Perth -Sunday 11th May 2025

It is almost 2 years since the last Trade Fair. The event is widely recognised as the retail butchery sector big day out.
The show will include,
Exhibitors stands, Scotland Butcher Wars, World Haggis Championship, Scottish Pork Sausage Championship, Presentation of prizes for the “Speciality Sausage” and the “Make it With Haggis” Awards, Presentation of trainee certificates.
And of course, to catch up with your colleagues in the trade. Reserve the date in your diary and come along for what is sure to be a great day out.
Further details will follow in our newsletter over the next few issues.

Food Standards Scotland – Shelf-life guidance 2025

In food production, shelf-life is the period of time after manufacture during which the food is considered safe for consumption, or still of the quality intended by the manufacturer. When determining the product's shelf-life the Food Business Operator must demonstrate that the shelf-life of a food product is appropriate, and that the food will remain safe and/or maintain its quality until the end of that life.
There is no standard method to estimate or set the shelf-life of a food product because there are many different factors that can affect the product safety and quality. We developed this document to outline good practice in determining the shelf-life of a food product to support Food Business Operators in Scotland, however the considerations outlined will also apply to businesses beyond Scotland.
While the overarching responsibility for food safety rests with Food Business Operators, this documents contains a comprehensive lists of factors and considerations applicable to shelf-life determination (validation) and verification in order to assist businesses in complying with the legal requirements, that the food safety criteria applicable throughout the shelf-life can be met under reasonably foreseeable conditions of distribution, storage and use.

Craft Skills Scotland Update

Recruiting NOW!!
Modern Apprentices
Craft Skills Scotland have a few places left on our current contract for Modern Apprentices. We currently have over 200 candidates throughout Scotland undertaking the qualifications that we deliver. All age groups and abilities can apply – existing staff members and new staff members are eligible.
Do Not Miss Out!
Employ for Attitude – Train for Skills.
Contact – Claire on 01738 637785 or email [email protected] to book a place.
Meat Managers Hygiene and HAPP Course
Wednesday 2nd April 2025 – Scottish Craft Butchers offices, Perth
Cost £300 per person
Book Now – phone Claire 01738 637785 or email [email protected]

Modern Apprentices
Craft Skills Scotland have a few places left on our current contract for Modern Apprentices. We currently have over 200 candidates throughout Scotland undertaking the qualifications that we deliver. All age groups and abilities can apply – existing staff members and new staff members are eligible.

Do Not Miss Out!
Employ for Attitude – Train for Skills.
Contact – Claire on 01738 637785 or email [email protected] to book a place.
Meat Managers Hygiene and HAPP Course
Wednesday 2nd April 2025 – Scottish Craft Butchers offices, Perth
Cost £300 per person

Book Now – phone Claire 01738 637785 or email [email protected]

Executive Meeting

The next executive meeting will be held in the evening on Tuesday 4th February 2025. If any member would like to be sent a link to the meeting please email [email protected]

Entries Open for Inaugural British Butchery Awards

The countdown has begun for a landmark event in the butchery industry. On June 30th, 2025, the first-ever British Butchery Awards will take place, offering a grand stage to celebrate the best in the field. Organized by the National Craft Butchers, these awards will honour the finest talents in our industry across the UK.

Entry Categories
We are inviting entries for the title of Best Large & Small Butchery Business in regions throughout the UK, including Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, North of England, South of England, and the Midlands.
Entries will have initial judging before the finalists from each category will receive a mystery shop. With the winner announced at the Black-tie awards dinner held at The Belfry in Nottingham!
The evening will also see the announcement of the nation's Best Wholesale/Catering Butcher, Best Young Butcher and Best Butchery Supplier, along with the Special Recognition Award.
The British Butchery Awards promise a spectacular evening celebrating the craft of butchery and offering excellent networking opportunities with industry leaders, supporters, and peers.
Eleanor O'Brien, Managing Director of National Craft Butchers, expressed the organization's enthusiasm: 'We are blessed with some of the most talented butchers in the world. The British Butchery Awards offers them the chance to have their moment in the limelight and be recognised by their fellow butchers.'
How to Get Involved

Entries open Monday 6th January 2025 at ENTRY FORM LINK
Whether you are a seasoned butcher or a rising star in the industry, this is your moment to shine and shout about our fantastic industry. Join us in celebrating the passion, skill, and dedication of the butchery industry. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of history at the inaugural British Butchery Awards!

To stay updated on entry details and announcements, follow @nationalcraftbutchers & @britishbutcheryawards on social media and bookmark http://nationalcraftbutchers.co.uk/britishbutcheryawards .
The event is supported by industry organisations: Scottish Craft Butchers, The Q Guild, and the Institute of Meat. With thanks to our sponsors – Bako, Dalziel, Lucas Ingredients, Kelsius, Tican Chilled, and The Dalesman Group.

Celebrating Reformulation and Innovation for Health

I am delighted to invite you to join us at Dynamic Earth for a day filled with exciting discussions, presentations, exhibitors and networking opportunities.
This event is about celebrating the fantastic work of Scotland's food system in making products healthier and empowering manufacturers to adapt to future pressures.
As nothing stays still for long, we want to help the industry navigate health legislation targets and growing consumer trends for health.

Learn from experts such as Food Standards Scotland, The Knowledge Bank, Kantar, The Food and Drink Federation and a range of food manufacturers and ingredient producers as they share their insights on the latest reformulations and innovations that are shaping the future of healthier food.

The even will be held on the 12 March 2025 at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh from 9:30am to 3.30pm

CLICK TO REGISTER: REGISTER NOW

Joanne Burns
Reformulation for Health Manager
Food and Drink Federation Scotland

If you have any questions or queries, please get in touch using the contact details below.

MEMBER SERVICES – Bruce McCall:             [email protected]                01738 637472
CRAFT SKILLS SCOTLAND – Claire Simpson:    [email protected] 8-10 Needless Road
Perth PH2 0JW
Tel: 01738 637472
Mobile: 01738 637472
twitter.com/scocraftbutcher
facebook.com/scottishcraftbutchers/
www.craftbutchers.co.uk