A high level campaign to the European Union has taken an important step forward in an effort to achieve special protected status for Stornoway Black Pudding.
Inferior copy cat products are harming the islands' trade in the quality foodstuff.
At stake are the jobs and economic bonus that the monthly export of hundreds of the
puddings bring to Stornoway where all four town butchers -
They are backed by Western Isles Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Now the Scottish Government has launched a formal consultation as part of the official process to apply for Protected Geographical Indicator (PGI) status under Euro law.
Foods like Melton Mowbray pork pies and Champagne are protected under the same European designation sought for Stornoway.
If successful the EU’s Protected Food Name (PFN) scheme will give Stornoway Black Pudding protection from inferior products made by rival mainland butchers who have jumped on the bandwagon and are selling their own inferior products with the Stornoway label.
Some use the term "Stornoway style black pudding" but angry island butchers claim
they are misleading consumers and supplying non-
European food brand protection would give consumers the guarantee that they are buying the genuine, premium product.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “Scotland is home to some of the most
popular protected foods in Europe -
“It is excellent news that the Stornoway Black Pudding Producers Association has grasped the opportunity to pursue protecting their premier product and I would encourage more of our Scottish companies to do the same.“
“The development of this application shows excellent collaborative working. The four butchers, in many respects direct competitors, have come together for a common purpose. This is an excellent example of what can be achieved when industry works in partnership.“
“Consumer interest in local food has never been greater and Scotland has massive potential to take advantage of the PFN scheme. There is no substitute for our iconic Scottish produce.”
Iain Macleod, spokesman for the Stornoway butchers, said: “The launch of the UK consultation period for the Stornoway Black Pudding PGI application is a very important milestone for the producers.“
“Attaining European PGI status is a priority for our iconic product as it protects the consumer from being misled about the provenance and quality of Stornoway Black Pudding, whilst safeguarding our regional food heritage.
“It will provide customers with the assurance that what they are buying is the genuine article, made in our region to the consistently high levels of quality and using the traditional crofting recipe.“
“The process is a lengthy one but worthwhile, and we believe that it will bring vital economic benefits to the area.
“We also hope that it would encourage growth and investment in the rural economy through promotion to the consumer of the Stornoway Black Pudding as a specialist food item, as well as vitally important area marketing of the Outer Hebrides as a destination of choice to visit.”
European protection sought for Stornoway black pudding 12/12/10
Rona Macdonald and Shona Macleod of Charley Barley’s