QMS Calls for Confidence in Scotland’s Red Meat Sector
QMS Calls for Unity and Confidence in Scotland’s Red Meat Industry in 2026
Quality Meat Scotland has urged the Scottish red meat sector to enter 2026 with confidence, collaboration and a renewed focus on value, as the industry navigates tight livestock supplies, market volatility and rising scrutiny around sustainability and standards.
In a New Year message, Sarah Millar, chief executive of Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), highlighted the resilience shown by farmers and processors over the past year, despite ongoing challenges linked to cost pressures, policy uncertainty and declining livestock numbers.
Millar emphasised that strong market fundamentals remain in place, with limited supply continuing to underpin prices, but warned that long-term success will depend on maintaining trust with consumers and delivering clear value across the supply chain. She pointed to the importance of Scotland’s red meat standards, assurance schemes and provenance credentials in differentiating product at home and abroad.
The message also stressed the need for greater industry-wide collaboration, particularly as debates around animal welfare, climate impact and food affordability intensify. QMS said aligning production, processing and marketing strategies will be critical to protecting Scotland’s position in both domestic and export markets.
Looking ahead, Millar encouraged businesses across the sector to focus on efficiency, innovation and clear communication, arguing that a confident, unified industry is best placed to influence policy and respond to changing consumer expectations in 2026 and beyond.
Source article: Quality Meat Scotland | 5 January 2026
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