Sales at haggis seller soar 2,000%

A HAGGIS producer has been working round the clock to meet demand after a massive rise in orders from England.

Meat producers Malcolm Allan have seen a staggering 2,000 per cent rise in the sale of the delicacy this year.

The rise has come after it secured a contract with Tesco to supply 25,000 haggis to their English stores as more and more people embrace the dish, made from meat off-cuts and traditionally wrapped in sheep's stomach.

Gordon Allan, a director of Malcolm Allan, told how the run-up to Burns Night had been busy, saying: "It's been hectic, but we got there in the end. We've done a lot of business with Tesco in Scotland over the years, but this is the first time we're sending haggis to their stores all over Britain. Over a five-day period, our 120 staff worked nightshifts to fill the order."

Rival haggis producer Macsween's has also reported a 25 per cent rise in demand from England. Director Jo Macsween said: "Not only are pre-Burns orders up, but we have continued to grow our sales throughout the year, as UK consumers recognise that haggis is a tasty, cost-effective ingredient.

"January 25th remains a landmark of course, and our family of products will cater for all shapes and sizes of Burns Night celebration from highly traditional to a relaxed supper with friends."

The sales boost comes just days after rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead visited the new offices for Malcolm Allan in Falkirk. The company received funding from the Scottish Government to help them grow and expand their work force.

Speaking at the opening Mr Lochhead said: "After such a phenomenal rise in sales the haggis has certainly confirmed its chieftain status. It is great news that Malcolm Allan's award-winning product is now available for lads and lassies throughout England, so they too can raise a glass to toast the haggis."