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Haggis sales on the up
20/01/2010
One of Scotland's largest meat producers today announced a significant rise in haggis sales as they opened their new premises in Falkirk.
Rural Affair Secretary Richard Lochhead visited Malcolm Allan Ltd today to officially open the new office premises and see how the company is preparing for Burns Night after learning of their 2000 per cent rise in haggis sales this year. 
Mr Lochhead said:
"It's a tremendous honour to be here today to mark the next chapter in one of the food industry's true success stories. For over fifty years Malcolm Allan Ltd has gone from strength to strength and remains a key supplier of quality meat to retailers and food service providers.
"After such a phenomenal rise in sales the haggis has certainly confirmed its chieftain status. This truly demonstrates that there is strong consumer demand for our national dish. 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 a toast the haggis.
"Employing over 120 staff - in part thanks to substantial funding from the Scottish Government - they are an example to others, helping us to meet the aims of our National Food and Drink Policy. They've also shown a great deal of ambition, for example developing lower fat, healthier options and initiating an application for Lorne sausage to receive protected food name status.
"Enhancing our reputation as a land of food and drink and providing healthy and sustainable food choices is one of our top priorities, and our continued partnership with retailers and processors can help us deliver further success."
Gordon Allan, Malcolm Allan Director said:
"I am delighted the Cabinet Secretary came along to open our new facilities. The support of his department was greatly appreciated and has enabled to expand at a greater rate than we would have been able to do so. The direct result of this support is we have increased our capacity which has let us send some of our products south of the border for the first time."