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.”

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).

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, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
· Mike Groves, Director, Great Circle Communications, 0131 225 4646, 07798 892 045, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .