The hunt is on for the world’s best haggis, with producers from around the globe being invited to Perth to win the crown for their versions of Scotland’s national dish.
Staged by Scottish Craft Butchers (SCB), this year’s World Haggis Championship 2025 event will build on the success of the first ever event held in 2023.
The biennial event looks set to attract even more experts vying for the title of world’s top haggis producer.
SCB executive manager Gordon King said the search for the world’s best haggis would see some of the finest producers gather to show off their spins on Scotland's finest delicacy.
“Haggis is a dish enjoyed by the Scottish diaspora throughout the world and there are a lot of experts out there producing some truly amazing products,” he said. “We’re inviting them to go head-to-head in a bid to secure what is seen as the ultimate accolade among haggis producers.
“Scottish Craft Butchers is delighted to host the second World Haggis Championship and the industry is already buzzing with excitement about the event. Every haggis recipe is unique – some dating back generations.
“This is the title everyone wants, and we look forward to some fierce competition, inspiring talent and outstanding haggises.”
Reigning champion Laura Black of independent craft butchers Coopers of Bellshill said: “It’s been an amazing two years, we were totally unprepared for what the title would bring in terms of business and publicity as well as the honour of being judged as producing the best haggis in the world. It was absolutely fantastic.”
Since winning the crown in 2023, Black's company has tripled haggis production to meet demand global demand.
“The demand for our haggis allowed us to expand and build a new unit for wholesale manufacturing,” added Black. “Becoming world champions transformed our business.”
Canada is the biggest export market for Scottish haggis. Other top export markets that buy haggis include Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and Taiwan.
Black encouraged haggis producers to be a part of “an amazing competition”.
“If you make haggis that you and your customers think is a winner, then throw your hat into the ring and – who knows – you could be a world champion.”
The competition is staged as part of the SCB Trade Fair - a biennial event attended by butchers from across the UK.
Outlining the firm but fair rules for the tournament, Laura outlined: "We're looking for a 500g traditional Scottish haggis in ball shape,"
"We're not looking for speciality products that shift away from the traditional fare. Judges will be looking at appearance, flavour, texture and the true rustic nature of our national dish."
All entrants must produce and retail haggis.
Judges will select five regional winners from within SCB members before including all-comers in the battle for the coveted world title, as-well-as two runners-up.
All entrants must produce and retail haggis.
The World Haggis Championships are taking place in Perth on May 11.
