Hundreds of industry leaders set to attend QMS’s ‘Future Thinking on Red Meat’ conference

Anticipation is building across Scotland’s red meat supply chain as Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) confirms its 2026 conference will have over 300 attendees, underlining the strong appetite for collaboration, clarity and confident leadership across the sector.

Taking place on 10 March at Murrayfield Stadium, the free of charge QMS ‘Future Thinking on Red Meat’ conference will bring together farmers, processors, retailers, policy makers and industry partners for a day of strategic insight and practical discussion at a pivotal moment for the sector.

With global livestock supply tightening and market dynamics shifting rapidly, the conference aims not only to explore challenges but to equip delegates with the intelligence, inspiration and connections needed to move forward with confidence.

This year’s sold-out event features a powerful mix of political leadership, international expertise and market insight.

The event is supported by gold sponsor the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS). Its Executive Director, Neil Wilson, will also contribute to discussions, highlighting the essential role of auction marts in ensuring fair trade, price discovery and the efficient movement of livestock through the live ring.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, will reinforce the importance of Scotland’s red meat sector to rural communities, food security and the national economy.

An international perspective will come from Dr Phil Hadley, Secretary General of the International Meat Secretariat, who will address the global livestock supply challenge and Scotland’s competitive position in a tightening marketplace.

Market and consumer trends will be examined by Lesley Ann Gray of Worldpanel by Numerator, alongside a retailer’s perspective from Richard Wood of Tesco, offering insight into category performance, shopper behaviour and future opportunity for Scotch red meat.

Bringing a foodservice and provenance lens, David Millar, Executive Chef at Carlowrie Castle and Scottish Chef of the Year 2025, will champion the premium qualities of Scottish produce and the power of storytelling in building value.

The importance of communication and public engagement will be explored by Anna Jones, freelance journalist and founder of Just Farmers, and Nicola Wordie, widely recognised as Livestock FarmHER, who represents a new generation of digital agricultural voices.

Strategic context and sector insight will also be provided by Sarah Millar, Chief Executive of QMS, and QMS Board Member Dr Carrie Ruxton, alongside contributions from the Scottish Red Meat Resilience Group and QMS’s Senior Management Team.

Silver sponsors National Beef Association, Scotland Food & Drink and Virgin Money support the conference, with Scotch meat sponsored by ABP and Kepak-McIntosh Donald for lunch and canapes. Delegates will begin the day with Specially Selected Pork breakfast rolls sponsored by Scotland Food & Drink.

Sarah Millar, Chief Executive of QMS, said: “With special thanks to our sponsors and partners, we are thrilled to see such strong demand for the return of the QMS conference. The fact that the event has around 300 attendees demonstrates just how committed our industry is to engaging with the big issues, from livestock supply and market dynamics to reputation and the next generation.

“By bringing together global insight, government leadership and expertise from across retail, foodservice and farming, we aim to ensure Scottish red meat is well positioned for a resilient and profitable future, both at home and internationally.”

As the industry navigates structural change and significant opportunity, QMS 2026 is set to be a clear signal of a sector ready to shape its own future.