Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy Fergus Ewing has vowed to continue the fight for Scottish PGIs in trade deals at this week’s SNP conference.

“On PGIs – this is absolutely essential. Despite reminding the UK Government, they’ve overlooked this. We’re going to be saying more about this,” said Ewing.

After news that flagship brands like Scotch Beef were omitted from trade deals, Quality Meat Scotland is to push for their inclusion.

“It is our priority to do all we can to ensure Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI are fully recognised in negotiations on existing and new trade deals,” said Laurent Vernet, head of marketing with QMS.

“While it is hugely disappointing that it appears opportunities have been missed, we will continue to work closely and constructively with Defra and other organisations.”

This comes after it emerged that Ewing wrote to Defra in February this year to ask for the inclusion of Scottish geographic indicators (GIs) like Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb in upcoming trade deals.