Scotland's independent local butchers are going to be hamming it up this month as they celebrate one of their mainstay meats throughout “Porktober”.

The “Porktober” initiative was launched last year to support Scotland’s struggling pig producers and the success of the focussed campaign has seen it expanded for 2023.

Launched by Scottish Craft Butchers in 2022, “Porktober” has now been embraced by the National Craft Butchers and backed by QMS.

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Throughout the month of October, Scottish Craft Butchers (SCB) from Shetland to the Borders will be promoting the nutritional and economical value of pork in a “buy Scottish” drive in support of local pig producers.

Following last year’s success, SCB hopes a second targeted campaign will provide another valued shot in the arm for the industry.

SCB president George Jarron said that Scotland’s local independent butchers were a key outlet for home-produced pork and urged members to get behind the “Porktober” initiative to drive up sales and increase demand for Scottish pork.

"Pork is such a versatile but under-rated meat and has to be one of the mainstay meats of a butcher's sales," he said,

"and local independent outlets supply locally sourced Scottish pork to their customers in a wealth of products from sausages and bacon to chops and ribs.

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"Throughout Porktober, around 400 independent butchers the length and breadth of Scotland will be turning the spotlight on this great Scottish staple and highlighting the versatility, nutritional value, and cost-effectiveness of home-produced pork.

"Hopefully, customers will get behind this initiative and help support and celebrate the country's pig farmers."

George stressed that the Scottish pig industry still needed the support of butchers and consumers to ensure it was the product of choice rather than foreign imports.

“Porktober sees butchers promote pork in its many guises,” he said. “Sales increased throughout the initiative last year and we urge customers to look out for special offers and bargain buys as the month progresses.”

Last year’s launch event was the first time SCB members had backed a concerted campaign in support of Scottish pig producers – an initiative which Andy McGowan, Managing Director of Scottish Pig Producers, said helped to keep the industry going during difficult times.

“Things have improved,” he said, “but we must create a permanent situation where it is sustainable and better for all.

“Porktober is a welcome initiative and we’re delighted to see it return this year.

“Reports from our producers suggest that the drive did increase sales for the industry in 2022 and it would be wonderful to see Scottish pig farmers benefit from the month-long celebration of pork again.

“Scots eat a huge amount of pork in a variety of cuts and dishes and our local butchers prove very inventive in creating new and delicious ways to enjoy this nutritious and affordable diet staple,” said Andy.

“Sadly, we have lost several Scottish pig producers to hard times in recent years, and without the sustained support of our remaining suppliers, we could see them forced out of the marketplace in favour of imports,” he explained.

"We're urging customers to buy Scottish pork rather than imported alternatives and this drive by Scottish Craft Butchers will help keep locally produced pork in the public eye. Porktober is a brilliant initiative and we're hugely grateful to local independent butchers everywhere and QMS for getting behind us."