NFUS board of directors are in the Netherlands to meet with Vion and its shareholders, the Dutch farming union ZLTO.

Vion UK acquired the Scottish-based Grampian Food Group two years ago.

The Scottish delegation heard from Vion UK CEO, Ton Christiaanse, about the importance of growing the business.

NFU President, Nigel Miller, said: "It was reassuring to hear first hand Vion UK's plans and the progress being made in restructuring and developing their business.

"This is a company almost unique in UK terms as its position of farmer, feed manufacturer, abattoir owner and processor gives it a full appreciation of how the retail chain operates.

"Working from its base in Livingston near Edinburgh, the company is committed to build on the range and quantity it already provides to the UK consumer. That includes recognition that there is value in marketing beef, lamb, pig and poultry products that have been born, bred, fed and slaughtered in Scotland and labelled to reflect that.

"The company's enthusiasm for product development and adding value, that saw 55 new products launched from one business unit alone last year, is refreshing and will hopefully deliver benefits in a hugely competitive retail sector.

"It was great to hear Vion's long term vision for the UK and that is something that I believe Scottish pig and poultry farmers will see the benefit of."