How Bury Black Pudding became a delicacy beloved worldwide

Bury is home to a delicacy that has stood the test of time, evolving from a humble market staple to a nationally and international celebrated product: black pudding.

Love it or hate it, it’s one of Greater Manchester’s most iconic foods.

The blood sausage, a staple of the full English breakfast, has been a cornerstone of Bury’s identity for over a century, thanks in no small part to The Bury Black Pudding Company. From its deep-rooted history at Bury Market to its current status as the UK’s leading black pudding brand, this is the story of how a local delicacy became a global sensation.

Bury Black Pudding Company

Black pudding’s history in the UK can be traced back to European monks who brought the ‘blutwurst’—or blood sausage—to Yorkshire before it made its way over the Pennines to Bury. Here, it quickly became a beloved local dish, with early producers like Casewell’s making their mark as far back as the early 20th century. When Casewell’s retired in 1968, a new generation of black pudding makers stepped in, ensuring the tradition continued.

At the heart of today’s Bury Black Pudding Company is a recipe that dates back over a hundred years. Richard Morris’s father was among the first to produce black puddings in a small shop, supplying local traders and independent businesses, including Bury Market. Decades later, Richard, together with Debbie Pierce, officially registered The Bury Black Pudding Company in 2002, securing its place in the annals of food history.

Bury Market

Bury Market has been a crucial part of the black pudding story. As one of the longest-standing traders at the market, The Bury Black Pudding Company has retained a strong presence, serving loyal customers who have been enjoying their products for decades.

Debbie Pierce’s journey started at just 12 years old, working as a Saturday girl at James Wallace’s stall. When James retired, Debbie took over, recognising the growing demand for Bury’s beloved black pudding. As more visitors flocked to Bury Market, requests for black pudding beyond the town grew, prompting her to launch a website that allowed customers to order the product nationwide. This online venture laid the groundwork for national distribution, leading to a deal with Asda that saw black pudding land on supermarket shelves across the UK.

From Bury to the world

The transition from a local favourite to a household name was not without its challenges. Scaling up production to meet the demand of major retailers required a significant investment in logistics, supply chain management, and production facilities. But the hard work paid off. Today, The Bury Black Pudding Company supplies over 100 tonnes of black pudding per week and exports its products to destinations as far afield as the Canary Islands, Southern France, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Hong Kong, and the UAE.

Matthew McDermid, the company’s Brand and Marketing Manager, proudly spoke about the company’s global reach. “Our heritage is something we take great pride in. We’re always putting Bury on the map,” he says, emphasising the brand’s commitment to authenticity.

While traditional black pudding remains a best-seller, The Bury Black Pudding Company has embraced modern food trends and dietary needs. Recognising the demand for dietary-friendly options, they developed gluten-free and vegan black pudding, both of which have been met with enthusiastic responses from consumers.

The vegan black pudding, made primarily from black beans and retaining the signature blend of herbs and spices, has proven particularly successful, securing a place on ASDA’s shelves nationwide. The gluten-free version was developed in response to customer requests, allowing those with dietary restrictions to continue enjoying the delicacy.

This adaptability has ensured that Bury Black Pudding remains relevant in today’s food market, appealing to both traditionalists and new consumers alike.

Black Pudding… as a health food?

One common misconception about black pudding is that it is an unhealthy indulgence. However, The Bury Black Pudding Company prides itself on offering a product that is both nutritious and delicious.

“Many people assume black pudding is unhealthy because it’s often served as part of a full English breakfast,” Matthew explained. “But our black pudding contains less than 3% fat and just 57 calories per slice. It’s also packed with iron, making it a great dietary choice.”

While Scottish black pudding can contain as much as 30% fat, the Bury variety prioritises a balance of health and flavour, making it a guilt-free option for those who enjoy hearty, traditional foods.

While black pudding is most commonly associated with a fry-up, creative chefs have incorporated it into a variety of dishes. The combination of black pudding and scallops is a classic pairing, while some use it as an ingredient in pasta dishes, burgers, or even pizzas. Nigella Lawson famously created black pudding meatballs, which quickly became one of the most popular recipes on The Bury Black Pudding Company’s website.

For the adventurous foodie, black pudding can be used in chicken supreme dishes, combined with poached eggs and avocado, or crumbled into a salad for a flavour-packed twist. The versatility of black pudding continues to inspire culinary experimentation across the UK.

A tradition recognised: Black Pudding on TV

The Bury Black Pudding Company’s success has not gone unnoticed. Set to appear on BBC One’s Inside the Factory in February 2025, the company will offer viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the production of the UK’s favourite black pudding. Hosted by Paddy McGuinness and Cherry Healey, the episode will delve into the meticulous process of making black pudding, showcasing the passion and dedication that goes into every batch.

As Matthew added, “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the heritage and passion that goes into making our black pudding. We are incredibly proud of our history and our role in bringing this traditional product to consumers.”

The future of Bury Black Pudding

From a small market stall to a globally recognised brand, The Bury Black Pudding Company has achieved remarkable success while staying true to its roots. With a commitment to quality, innovation, and local pride, the company continues to grow, ensuring that black pudding remains an essential part of Greater Manchester’s culinary identity.

For those yet to try it, there’s never been a better time to experience the taste of Bury. Whether enjoyed in a traditional breakfast, paired with fine dining ingredients, or in a modern, health-conscious dish, black pudding is a versatile and delicious food that continues to win over new fans worldwide.

So, next time you visit Bury Market or spot The Bury Black Pudding Company on the shelves, remember the rich history and passion behind every bite. After all, it’s a piece of Manchester’s culinary heritage.

You can check out the Bury Black Pudding company’s website by clicking here