Venison sales up as Scots ignore ‘Bambi factor’

SEASONAL sales of venison are soaring, as more Scots choose to make the healthy home-grown meat the centrepiece of their festive menus.

Butchers and game dealers say demand is outstripping supply due to the growing popularity of venison, inspired by celebrity chefs.

Scots are now consuming thousands of tonnes of venison annually and suppliers are struggling to meet demand, meaning more is having to be imported from Europe and New Zealand.

Dundee butcher Gilbert Grossett said the low-fat option had been more popular than ever this Christmas.

“People are certainly becoming more adventurous and are looking for something a little bit different over the Christmas period,” he said. “I don’t think the Bambi factor is deterring people at all.

“Haunches of venison are popular for Boxing Day and New Year’s Day dinners. Venison casseroles are also a great winter warmer over the festive season.”

He added: “In general, there has been an increase in interest in venison. It’s seen as being low in fat and healthy.

“It’s appearing on more restaurant menus and TV chefs are using it – all adding to its popularity.”

Fans of the meat include TV chef Gordon Ramsay, who showed millions of viewers how to make an unusual recipe of venison and chocolate and red wine sauce on his hit TV show The F-Word.

Jamie Oliver also has cultivated popular recipes for venison and juniper stew and venison stroganoff, while Delia Smith cooks venison in Guinness and port with pickled walnuts.

Nigella Lawson has previously boasted of making a marinated beef and venison casserole for her own Boxing Day dinner.

Dick Playfair, of the Scottish Venison Partnership, said: “The value of venison sales increased from £32 million in 2006 to £43m in 2009. Demand is outstripping supply.”