LOCH Fyne Oysters has highlighted the boost given to its export efforts, in the US and Switzerland, by Prince Charles’s Mey Selections initiative, which is aimed at maintaining a “balanced way of life” in the Highlands.

The company, based at Cairndow in Argyll, also sees potential to sell Loch Fyne smoked salmon under the Mey Selections brand in other overseas markets, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Italy and France.

The Mey Selections initiative was launched in 2005 by Prince Charles, known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, to “foster closer connections between farmers, fine food producers and customers”.

All Mey Selections produce is sourced within 150 miles of the Castle of Mey, and products and producers must meet specified quality standards.

Loch Fyne Oysters’ Mey fillet, kiln-roasted and traditional oak-smoked salmon is already available in 10 Central Market gourmet grocery stores in Texas.

It features in these stores alongside biscuits, cake and cheese from the Mey Selections range, which is managed and presented by Loch Fyne Oysters.

Loch Fyne gravadlax will be available alongside Mey Selections salmon in 13 Globus department stores in Switzerland from this month onwards.

Cameron Brown, managing director of Loch Fyne Oysters, said: “HRH Prince Charles’s initiative to create the Mey Selections brand to support food producers in the North Highlands of Scotland has really helped us demonstrate the high quality of Scottish produce.

“Buyers in international markets want to know that they’re getting the best smoked salmon, and what better mark of quality than a royal association.”

He added: “Our royal heritage is very popular overseas so the support of a brand inspired by His Royal Highness Prince Charles helps us to underline the high quality and exceptional flavour of Scottish produce in international markets.”

Loch Fyne Oysters distributes its seafood to customers around the world, supplying top hotels, restaurants and events.