ONE in three Scots named haggis as their favourite Scottish food in a poll commissioned by Scotland Food & Drink for St Andrew’s Day.
The same survey revealed the importance of local food to the Scottish people with nine out of ten saying they regularly buy home-grown Scottish produce and 86 per cent of respondents claiming it was important to them that the food they buy is locally produced.
James Withers, Scotland Food & Drink chief executive, said:
“St Andrew’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate Scotland’s natural larder and it’s clear from this survey that the Scottish people are loyal to their local food and drink producers.
“Scottish food and drink is increasingly recognised as a byword for excellence and our shoppers are voting with their wallets.”
While haggis was recognised universally as the favourite Scottish food across the country, other Scottish classics beef, salmon, mince and porridge made up another 34 per cent.
Regional specialities were recognised too with Arbroath Smokies included in the top ten in Tayside and stovies making the top five in Aberdeen.
Venison was named as the fifth most popular food in Edinburgh while Lorne sausage filled that position in Glasgow. One per cent of respondents in Northern Scotland chose the unique delicacy, Guga, which is Gannet meat from the Outer Hebrides.
James Withers commented: “It’s not surprising that haggis topped the poll of favourite foods; it is a national treasure!
“However, Scotland is blessed with an extraordinary diversity of products. We land on these shores perhaps a greater variety of seafood than anywhere on earth and we’re the world’s third-largest producer of farmed Atlantic salmon.
“In addition, we have world class red meat, dairy, bakery, soft fruit and vegetables. All of which can be enjoyed with a dram of the global icon that is Scotch whisky.
“I genuinely think more Scottish people are feeling proud of this culinary heritage, and so they should.”
The Scotpulse survey questioned more than 1,000 Scots from across the country in the run up to St Andrew’s Day on 30 November.
More information on how to prepare a special menu for St Andrew’s Day is available at www.scotland.org/nightin.
Numerous events are taking place across Scotland to celebrate St Andrew’s Day. Information on days out across the country or inspiration for hosting the perfect night in can be found at www.scotland.org/winter
For more information contact Martha Bryce or Stephen Jardine on 0131 225 7205; martha@tastecommunications.co.uk; Stephen@tastecommunications.co.uk
Notes to editors:
- Scotland Food & Drink is an industry-led, commercially-focused membership organisation which aims to grow the value of the country’s food and drink sector to £16.5bn by 2017 and its vision is to build Scotland’s reputation as a Land of Food and Drink www.scotlandfoodanddrink.org.
- The online survey was conducted 8 – 11 November 2013 to a representative sample of Scottish adults (16+) via ScotPulse panel omnibus.
- The sample size was 1,138 adults across Scotland.
- Questions asked were:
- Do you regularly buy home-grown Scottish produce?
- How important to you is it that the food you buy is produced locally?
- What is your favourite Scottish food?
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Contact: Martha Bryce
Phone: 0131 225 7205
Email: martha@tastecommunications.co.uk
