EXPORTS of Scottish haggis to Canada are to be allowed for the first time in nearly 50 years, after Macsween of Edinburgh developed a new recipe that meets Canadian regulations.

Haggis imports were banned in Canada and the USA in 1971 after the US Department of Agriculture stopped the use of sheep’s lungs in all food imports. Later there was a general ban on beef imports from Europe following the outbreak of BSE.

In 2015, the Canadian authorities lifted their ban on red meat imports from Europe, and now Macsween, makers of the top-selling brand of haggis in the UK, have been able to create a haggis that tastes authentic but does not contain any offal.

Attending an event in Toronto to showcase Scotland’s food and drink produce to Canadian buyers, Economy Secretary Keith Brown welcomed the news. He said: “Haggis is known the world over for being a truly iconic symbol of Scotland.

“It’s great news that Macsween have been able to develop a haggis recipe for export to Canada.

“After waiting 46 years I’m sure there will be many Canadians and ex-pat Scots looking forward to having Scotland’s national dish at the centre of their table at the next Burns’ supper.

“This development is an indication of the increasing interest in, and love of, Scottish food and drink produce in North America. As a Government, we have supported Macsween to grow their business and will continue to support Scottish companies in unlocking the significant opportunities to be found in this fast-growing market.”

James Macsween, managing director of Macsween of Edinburgh, said: “We at Macsween are absolutely delighted to be the first Scottish haggis sold in Canada in 46 years.

“Finally, Canadians and the ex-pat community within Canada will be able to enjoy the UK’s no.1 haggis brand, loved for its award-winning taste and texture. This is a huge milestone for Macsween to be expanding internationally and leading the way in an increasingly competitive market.

“My grandfather, Charlie, would be very proud to see how far we’ve come from his original butcher’s shop in Bruntsfield, which he opened back in 1953.”

Food and drink exports to Canada are now worth more than £94 million, with latest reports from Scottish companies suggesting that food exports have increased by 37 per cent over the last year.

It has long been held by Scottish butchers that if they could export to Canada and the US, the industry’s value would soar overnight.

The new comes at a time when Scottish food and drink companies are having particular success in Canada.

Scottish seafood supplier, Associated Seafood, will this month launch two Scottish Smoked salmon products with Canada’s largest retailer Loblaw which has more than 1700 locations across the country.

Highland-based company, Cullisse, has begun exporting the first Scottish rapeseed oil to North America and Stockans Oatcakes can now be found in Canadian Wal-Mart, Metro and Sobeys stores.

Edinburgh-based Innis & Gunn brews the most popular imported craft beer in Canada which is their largest export market

Susan Beattie, Head of Food & Drink at Scottish Development International (SDI) said: ‘It’s great to see the industry’s investment in market and product development delivering results.

“Canada is a priority market for Scotland and we are working with Scotland Food and Drink partners to ensure that companies are able to fully exploit the opportunities in retail and food service.

“Earlier this month we had 21 buyers and distributors from Canada at our Showcasing Scotland event – they were very impressed by the companies they met and are keen to do more business with Scotland.”