Northern Irish processor revives interest in mutton

Specialist meat processor Buchanan's Foods in Northern Ireland is reviving interest in mutton.

The small company, based on a family farm at Upperlands in rural county Derry, has launched a range of products, including mutton steaks, to offer meat lovers a product that's been out of favour with consumers for generations.

Buchanan's has a successful track record in producing premium turkeys, original and flavoured sausages and in dry curing and smoking bacon. It recently launched the first triple smoked bacon.

Jonathan Buchanan, the founder and managing director of the family, explains the decision to develop mutton products: "It's unfortunate that mutton is a meat that's been out of favour with consumers for some time because it's a richly flavoured and distinctive product.

"I've been watching interest in mutton developing in the US in particular there. Chefs are leading a resurgence interest in mature sheep meat that was once popular in the 19th and early 20th century.

"The protein is now starting to appear on the menus of high-end restaurants in centres such as New York. Mutton is proving popular now because of its strong flavour, and chefs are creating different dishes," he adds.

The company has tested mutton with shoppers at markets across Northern Ireland and been "impressive with the positive reactions of those prepared to taste it", Buchanan continues. "People really don't really know what to expect and are pleasantly surprised by the texture and flavour. Mutton is a really flavoursome meat," he adds.

Buchanan's has an impressive track record of achievement in competitions such as the UK Great Taste Awards especially for its free-range reared poultry meat.

The company sources mutton from its own sheep and those of neighbouring farms.