OPPORTUNITIES for greater trade between Scotland and Italy were on the menu yesterday at the Battlefield Rest.

A high-powered lunch at the south side restaurant, aimed at building on existing strong links between the two nations and promoting trade in both directions, was attended by British Ambassador to Italy and San Marino Christopher Prentice.

Marco Giannasi, who opened the Battlefield Rest in 1994, said: “I feel that there is so much potential both ways.

“I would say Scottish products abroad – they are growing in interest and quality and all the rest of it, and the same with the Italian products coming from Italy over here.”

He highlighted a recent purchase by the Battlefield Rest of a consignment of food from Lucca province in Italy.

Mr Giannasi said: “Last week, I got a purchase of Italian goods from my area, from small firms producing specialist goods like pasta, biscuits, olive oil.

“The same goes for the Scottish products. I think everyone is looking for something a bit more special, a bit more exclusive.”

Eleonora Vanello, Scottish branch manager of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the UK, underlined the potential for increased trade in both directions.

Ms Vanello flagged the appetite in Italy for premium Scottish products, including salmon and other seafood, Angus beef, Scotch whisky, craft beer, gin, cashmere and tweed.

She also highlighted demand for Scottish seaweed, noting that Italy had a strong organic cosmetics industry, which already used the likes of truffles, grapes, and olive oil.

Ms Vanello, who joined Mr Prentice and business owners at the south side restaurant, said: “The Italian market is a market that accepts and welcomes high-end products.”

She also highlighted the opportunity for further cooperation between Scottish and Italian businesses in the field of engineering, noting potential in traditional and renewable energy and the oil and gas sector.

Mr Prentice, who is a guest of taxpayer-backed Scottish Development International on a two-day visit that also involves Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “The broad message is one of emerging greater opportunity in Italy. I am here to advertise that, and also to advise on particular opportunities in sectors.”

He added: “There is a strong Italian appetite for brand excellence, for high-end design [and] quality.”

Mr Prentice highlighted demand not only for Scottish food and drink in Italy, but also opportunities in the likes of engineering and the creative industries.

He cited Glasgow’s “combination of a manufacturing past and very strong creative industries”. And he noted a “revival of design and manufacturing excellence” in the city.

Mr Prentice added: “Italy is a good opportunity for Scottish businesses and there are so many personal and institutional links with Scotland, which I am being reminded of around this table.”