| Ken Stahly of Stahly Quality Foods Ltd decided to expand his business to Chicago after he ran into export problems.
Strict US food laws mean that traditional versions of haggis are banned, and securing approval from the US Food and Drugs Administration can be difficult, so importing meat from Scotland becomes near impossible.
Mr Stahly’s business has managed to get round the legislation by finding a production partner in the States, a move assisted by Business Gateway International Trade Fife and Scottish Development International (SDI).
Mr Stahly told the Evening Telegraph, “It really was the only thing for it.
“We were running into major problems trying to get the haggis through, and it kept getting returned.
“We started manufacturing in the States in November, and haven’t looked back since.
“Chicago is an ideal base, because its geographical location is an ideal gateway to the US and Canadian marketplace.
“There are a lot of Scots living in the States, and Scottish food is becoming increasingly popular, so I think the market is definitely big enough to make haggis a success in the US.
“I make regular trips to Chicago to ensure the same standards we employ here in Glenrothes are replicated in the Windy City.”
The US production facility currently makes traditional Scotch haggis and vegetarian haggis, but there is the possibility that clootie dumpling and whisky-flavoured haggis will soon be produced.
The Stahly name has been associated with Fife for more than 80 years.
Mr Stahly’s grandfather opened his butcher’s shop in Dunfermline, before moving to Kirkcaldy.
Business Gateway Fife has helped the company fund a new recipe book to promote their products in the lead-up to Burns Night on January 25. It contains haggis recipes from some of Scotland’s top chefs, and a few from Ann Stahly, Mr Stahly’s mother.
Business Gateway advisor Alistair Gibb said, “We’ve helped the company mainly through marketing support.
“I’ve been delighted to watch the plans take flight.
“Stahly Quality Foods is a dynamic, forward thinking company who have come up with an ambitious and inspired solution to regulatory problems.”
Business Gateway can be contacted on 0845 609 6611. |
