Quality Meat Scotland Conference Returns To Shape the Future of the Scottish Red Meat Sector

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has announced the launch of its 2026 Conference, a key industry event designed to bring together inspiring and ambitious people from across the Scottish red meat supply chain and beyond.

Taking place on 10 March at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, the Future Thinking on Red Meat conference promises a platform to share insight, stimulate discussion and build confidence around some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the Scottish red meat industry.

The programme will focus on the issues that matter most to levy payers, decision-makers and stakeholders, including the global livestock supply shortage, the current and future red meat market landscape, and fostering a positive future through collaboration, storytelling and engaging the next generation.

The free QMS 2026 conference welcomes highly respected external speakers alongside QMS experts and partners, with the aim of offering appeal beyond a traditional agricultural event.

The event is supported by Gold sponsor Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS), Silver sponsors Virgin Money and Scotland Food & Drink, with Scotch meat sponsored by ABP and Kepak-McIntosh Donald for lunch and canapés. Attendees can also set themselves up for the day ahead with a Specially Selected Pork breakfast roll sponsored by Scotland Food & Drink.

Sarah Millar, Chief Executive of Quality Meat Scotland, said: “With special thanks to our sponsor partners, we are delighted to answer calls for the return of the QMS Conference, which is about bringing people together to tackle shared challenges and seize opportunities with confidence. By focusing on the big issues - from livestock supply and market dynamics to reputation and the next generation - we want to enable informed debate, inspire leadership and ensure Scottish red meat is well positioned for the future, at home and internationally.

“Spaces are limited, and first-come-first-served, so I would encourage members from every part of the red meat supply chain to register quickly for this worthwhile event.”

The conference will open with an international perspective on tackling the shared challenge of the livestock supply from Dr Phil Hadley, Secretary General of the International Meat Secretariat, followed by QMS-led insight on Scotland’s own response in partnership with the Scottish Red Meat Resilience Group. A keynote address from a senior representative of the Scottish Government will underline the importance of the sector to Scotland’s economy, communities and food system.

Afternoon sessions will explore the red meat market and future opportunities, with contributions from leading voices across retail, insight, foodservice and farming. Speakers include senior representatives from Kantar, a major retailer, and many more alongside QMS specialists. The day will conclude with an evening networking and canapé reception showcasing Scotch red meat with a poster exhibition of organisations supporting the sector.

Neil Wilson, Executive Director of IAAS, said: “We are delighted to support this conference which comes at a critical time for our industry. The strength of the Scottish red meat sector depends on collaboration across the entire supply chain, and auction marts play a critical role in ensuring fair trade and availability of stock through the live ring, which helps underpin the success of our red meat production capabilities.

“The QMS conference provides an important forum to simplify complex challenges, share the latest evidence and work together on practical solutions. IAAS is proud to support an event that puts future success, resilience and collaboration at its core.”

Booking is required due to limited spaces. For more information and to secure your tickets, visit QMS's Future Thinking on Red Meat Conference | QMS