26 January 2010, 14:00 PM
  • UK haggis sales totalled £8.8 million last year (up from £7.1 million in 2008) - a positive backdrop for retailers celebrating Burn's Night yesterday

Among those reaping the cash dividends was haggis producer Macsween of Edinburgh, who reported a 20% sales increase for 2009, and an increase of 25% in the run-up to this month’s Burns Night.

Some see the success as a direct representation of the rising popularity for Scottish food in general.

“With the fine food that is available right on our doorsteps, it’s no surprise that the demand for Scottish produce is continuing to rise,” said Jim McLaren, president of the NFU.

“In eating the traditional Burn’s supper of haggis, neeps and tatties, consumers will not only be enjoying a tasty dish, but will be offering their support to Scottish food producers,” he added.

Retailers north and south testify to this renewed interest in haggis and other specialities.

“We originally started selling Haggis in 2008 because lots of Scottish customers were requesting it. Word has spread and now everyone wants it,” said David Beckett, manager of Barwells in Bury St Edmunds.

“People are initially squeamish about where it comes from, but once they taste it they love it. It’s been so popular, I’m currently looking to expand my range of Scottish food further,” he concluded.