Former Masterchef judge appointed to champion Scottish seafood
FORMER Masterchef: The Professionals judge Monica Galetti is fronting a new campaign encouraging UK restaurants to serve Scotland’s world-class seafood.
The Sea the People campaign has seen Galetti travel around Scotland, showcasing some of the businesses in the Scottish seafood industry, from producers such as Loch Fyne Oysters and Nolan Seafoods to Glasgow seafood restaurants Cail Bruich and Crabshakk.
It comes after the chef – who runs London restaurant Mere with husband David – was recruited by industry body Seafood from Scotland to be the first ever ambassador for Scottish seafood.
Speaking of the producers and business owners she met across Scotland, Galetti said she was “in awe of their knowledge and skills, and their commitment to provenance at every stage of the supply chain”.
“I would love to see UK restaurants and retailers stocking more Scottish fish and shellfish – fished or farmed,” she said.
“At present around 80% is exported. We have a collective responsibility to introduce different species to consumers, in a way that encourages them to look beyond the familiar.
“For me, Scottish seafood is synonymous with the best quality in the world, and we definitely need to be shouting about it.”
Adam Wing, head of trade marketing for the UK, Americas and new markets for Seafood from Scotland, said Galetti “is the perfect person to champion our efforts because she genuinely believes in the quality of Scottish seafood and the commitment of the people who produce it”.
“She has an ability to find a connection with everyone she meets, and really listens to their stories. She wants to keep learning and it shows,” said Wing.
“As a chef and restaurateur, Monica is in an ideal position to encourage young chefs and buyers to take a closer look at what we can offer and to help them appreciate the effort that goes into producing such high-quality fish and shellfish.”
