TORONTO (October 20, 2017) – Scotland will start exporting haggis to Canada for the first time in almost 50 years after Macsween of Edinburgh has developed a new recipe that meets Canadian regulations. This follows the lifting of the Canadian ban on red meat imports from Europe in 2015.
Attending an event in Toronto earlier this week to showcase Scotland’s food and drink produce to Canadian buyers, Economy Secretary Keith Brown welcomed the news.
“It’s great news that Macsween have been able to develop a haggis recipe for export to Canada. After waiting 46 years, I’m sure there will be many Canadians and ex-pat Scots looking forward to having Scotland’s national dish at the centre of their table at the next Burns Supper.”
“This development is an indication of the increasing interest in, and love of, Scottish food and drink produce in North America. As a Government, we have supported Macsween to grow their business and will continue to support Scottish companies in unlocking the significant opportunities to be found in this fast-growing market.”
“We at Macsween are absolutely delighted to be the first Scottish haggis sold in Canada in 46 years! Finally, Canadians and the ex-pat community within Canada will be able to enjoy the UK’s no.1 haggis brand, loved for its award-winning taste and texture. This is a huge milestone for Macsween to be expanding internationally and leading the way in an increasingly competitive market. My grandfather, Charlie, would be very proud to see how far we’ve come from his original butcher’s shop in Bruntsfield, which he opened back in 1953,” James Macsween, Managing Director of Macsween of Edinburgh, shared the sentiment.
Food and drink exports to Canada are now worth more than £94 million, with latest reports from Scottish companies suggesting that food exports have increased by 37% over the last year.
Scottish companies having particular success include:
• Scottish seafood supplier, Associated Seafood, which – this month – will launch two Scottish smoked salmon products with Canada’s largest retailer, Loblaw, which has over 1,700 locations across Canada.
• Highland-based company, Cullisse, which has begun exporting the first Scottish rapeseed oil to North America.
• Stockans Oatcakes, which can now be found in Canadian Wal-Mart, Metro & Sobeys stores.
• Fife-based company, First Milk, which has launched Mull of Kintyre cheddar into Canada.
• Edinburgh-based brewer, Innis & Gunn, whose largest export market continues to be Canada and are the most popular imported craft beer in the country.
‘It’s great to see the industry’s investment in market and product development delivering results. Canada is a priority market for Scotland and we are working with Scotland Food and Drink partners to ensure that companies are able to fully exploit the opportunities in retail and food service.”
“Earlier this month, we had 21 buyers and distributors from Canada at our Showcasing Scotland event – they were very impressed by the companies they met and are keen to do more business with Scotland,” added Susan Beattie, Head of Food & Drink at Scottish Development International (SDI).
Since the red meat ban was lifted, Scottish companies had been working to produce a haggis recipe that met Canadian regulations. The import ban on offal currently remains in place.
Macsween of Edinburgh have benefited from a range of Scottish Government support to help with their growth ambitions. This includes Food Processing & Marketing Cooperation Grant funding and specific supply chain and logistical advice on accessing the Canadian market through the Market Driven Supply Chain project.
Associated Seafood was supported by the Scotland Food & Drink Export Partnership, which has in-market specialists in the eight top prospect markets – including Canada.
These partnerships are opening doors for Scottish companies with high-end retailers, luxury hotels, leading chefs and distributors, responding to an ever-increasing appetite for Scotland’s extensive larder of natural, high quality products.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Marian Staresinic
VP, Branding & Buzzing
[email protected]