FERGUS EWING, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity, joined the team at a bustling Edinburgh Aldi store this week to offer his support as their festive rush got underway.

During the visit, Mr Ewing joined staff stacking the shelves in the fresh meat aisle, and highlighted Aldi’s commitment to selling 100% Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork in its everyday range, a move it announced during summer 2018.

As well as praising Aldi’s support of Scotland’s red meat industry, Mr Ewing also congratulated Aldi for its festive food donations scheme which will see stores around the UK providing local charities with fresh products after 6pm on Christmas Eve.

Mr Ewing said: “By stocking only Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI, and Specially Selected Pork in their everyday range, Aldi have sent a clear message to consumers that these products consistently deliver on taste and quality.

“As people start to stock up for the festive period I would encourage people to ‘shop Scotch’ and buy Scottish produced, world renowned and assured red meat.”

Group buying director Graham Nicolson said it had been a pleasure to welcome Mr Ewing to the store: “We are unwavering in our commitment to the Scottish meat industry and it has been fantastic to have Mr Ewing here, in one of our Edinburgh stores before Christmas, to show him first-hand how we are supporting the Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork brands,” he said.

Quality Meat Scotland head of market development Tom Gibson said: “Aldi have not only shown a great commitment to the Scotch brands, but also to the industry who work so hard to produce fantastic quality Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork.

“When browsing in supermarket aisles over the next couple of weeks, I would encourage shoppers to look for the logos which guarantee quality in every bite.”