A north firm is set to showcase the best of the region’s sea food at one of Europe’s leading foodservice exhibitions later this month.

Black Isle based sea food exporter FAO27 Ltd is the only Scottish company taking part at premium food service exhibition SIRHA Lyon from 24 to 28 January 2015.

The FAO27 stand will showcase products from all the firm’s partners: Nordic Shellfish, Wester Ross, the West Coast Creel fishermen and Sutherlands of Portsoy. Scottish langoustines, lobsters, scallops, winkles, fish, salmon and value-added products such as hot smoked salmon will all be on display with visitors invited to sample the best of Scottish seafood.

SIRHA is one of Europe’s largest foodservice exhibitions, attracting almost 3,000 exhibitors from 26 countries and over 23,000 visitors. It also plays host to the renowned Bocuse D’Or competition which brings together 24 of the world’s most promising chefs.

FAO27 Managing Director Anne Moseley said: “SIRHA Lyon is one of the most important foodservice exhibitions in Europe. Visitors, including end users, buyers, food service and hospitality professionals come to the show to find new products, services and new suppliers. Our retail partners are also making their way to Lyon to discover the latest trends and innovations.

“We already provide premium quality sea food from Scotland to outlets across Europe. Our ambition on behalf of our Scottish partners is to reach chefs and catering and hotel establishments and continue to build on our success.”

Although the FAO27 stand will focus on sea food, the firm is keen to give visitors a wider flavour of Scotland.

“This is a very important food show and it is a real shame that Scotland does not have more of a presence. We are very supportive of cross-sector collaboration and if any local companies would like us to feature their products on our stand we would be more than happy to facilitate this,” says Anne Moseley.

“I hold helping other businesses close to my heart and we will also assist companies to follow up on potential leads after the show.”

Based in the Black Isle and France, FAO27 acts as the export sales department for a number of local fishing boats and small scale seafood processors. The firm works on brand development and sells whitefish, shellfish and salmon products from the North of Scotland to retailers, wholesalers, large fishmongers and independent stores across Europe and further afield.

Named after the grid reference for the North Sea fishing sector and standing for Freshness and Origin, 27 for Traceability, FAO27 was set up in 2009 by Managing Director Anne Moseley to help fishermen and processors export to Europe. It now has five members of staff.

Any companies who would like to display their products on the FAO27 stand at the Lyon show and would like to discuss the opportunity further should email Anne Moseley on [email protected].