Macsween Haggis Invades London

PRLog (Press Release) – Jun 12, 2009 – London has emerged as England’s top haggis-eating city, according to Macsween of Edinburgh. Some 20 per cent of the company’s haggis are now sold in the capital. Altogether, more haggis is now sold in England than in Scotland.
This goes to show that, while traditionally seen as the culinary centrepiece of Burns Night, haggis is now popular as a nutritious and easy-to-use ingredient throughout the year, enlivening canapés, pakoras, lasagne, pies and many other recipes.
Given London’s importance for Macsween, it’s only natural that the company has taken a stand at this years’ Taste of London show, which takes place from 18th to 21st June. Macsween will be offering a mini haggis nacho tasting and provide recipe ideas for haggis lovers.
The company points out that this year is the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns’ birth - the whole of Scotland is celebrating 2009 as the year of Homecoming, with an events programme celebrating Scotland's great contributions to the world. 2009 is also the 25th anniversary of the Macsween vegetarian haggis - the frontrunner of all future vegetarian haggis products.
Jo Macsween said: “While haggis sales naturally peak in January due to Burns Night, we are experiencing higher percentage growth year on year outwith the winter months.  2009 is shaping up as the best year yet.  UK sales have increased primarily as haggis is increasingly being used as a versatile ingredient, for everything from lasagne to pies. We’re very happy to see that many Londoners have now adopted haggis as part of their diet.”
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Notes to editors:

For questions, interview requests, Taste of London press passes, haggis recipes or photographs, please contact:
•   Andrea Krug, Krug Communications, Tel. 07740 245 867, andrea@krugcomms.com

•   Mike Groves, Director, Great Circle Communications, 0131 225 4646, 07798 892 045, michael.groves@greatcircle.co.uk.
Macsween will be exhibiting at stand C14 during Taste of London, which takes place from Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st June in Regent’s Park, London (www.tastefestivals.com).
About Macsween

Macween is a Scottish family business established by Charlie and Jean Macsween in Bruntsfield, South Edinburgh, in 1953. The business passed to their son, John, who, along with his wife Kate, focused on the production of haggis and black pudding.  Along the way they created the world's first dedicated haggis factory and the world's first vegetarian haggis.  Two of John and Kate's children, James and Jo, now run the business.  They continue to explore new avenues for Macsween products, improve the way the company operates and share best practice with other food producers.
Macsween are guardians of Scotland’s national dish and have been at the forefront of haggis production for more than 50 years.  Macsween haggis is listed in some very smart retailers (including Morrisons) and eateries. The company offers a UK mail order service, and its products can be purchased in a number of countries through mail order partners.
Macsween has focussed its management efforts on energy efficiency and use, carbon emissions, solid waste, water use and transport. While haggis production has continued to increase, the company has continued to meet carbon emission targets and has virtually eliminated waste sent to landfill. Macsween has won awards for its approach to environmental management and sustainability.
For further information about Macsween, visit http://www.macsween.co.uk.

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Macween is a Scottish family business established by Charlie and Jean Macsween in Bruntsfield, South Edinburgh, in 1953. The business passed to their son, John, who, along with his wife Kate, focused on the production of haggis and black pudding. Along the way they created the world's first dedicated haggis factory and the world's first vegetarian haggis. Two of John and Kate's children, James and Jo, now run the business. They continue to explore new avenues for Macsween products, improve the way the company operates and share best practice with other food producers.
Macsween are guardians of Scotland’s national dish and have been at the forefront of haggis production for more than 50 years. Macsween haggis is listed in some very smart retailers (including Morrisons) and eateries. The company offers a UK mail order service, and its products can be purchased in a number of countries through mail order partners.
Visit http://www.macsween.co.uk.