Despite the dual challenges of rising costs and Covid-lockdown restrictions, Scotland’s largest ice cream producer, Mackie's, has posted record revenues and profit.

According to newly released annual accounts to the year ending May 31, 2021, turnover at the family-owned business increased by 11% to £18.5 million, while operating profit rose by 19% to £4.1 million.

Mackie's big year was spearheaded by a 40% increase in sales in England and Wales, with its ice cream range proving a hit in major supermarkets including Sainsbury’s, Asda, the Co-op and Marks & Spencer. This growth followed a year of investment in the brand with new packaging, new website and digital advertising campaigns.

Mackie’s range of chocolate bars also enjoyed a significant 15% uplift in UK sales, while the company generated other income from its renewable energy investment, including a 7000 panel solar farm, four large-scale wind turbines and a a biomass plant at its Westertown Farm base, in Rothienorman, Aberdeenshire.

It also continued to invest in its biggest ever project – a £4.5 million low carbon refrigeration facility. Supported by the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Infrastructure transition programme, this is due to be completed this spring and should enable a reduction in energy use of up to 80%, contributing to the company’s objective of being 100% self-sufficient in renewable energy.

Managing director and one of three family owners at Mackie’s, Mac Mackie, said: “Against a backdrop of the pandemic’s impact on consumer confidence and rising production costs, we are very pleased to have delivered a robust performance and positive financial results which show steady growth for the eighth consecutive year.

“The company continues to make Scotland’s favourite premium ice cream and plans to continue to grow the brand offering to our customers with two new flavours launching this year whilst improving efficiency and returns from all areas of the business. For the current trading year, sales to our major retailers remains strong, but overall company performance will be affected due to continuing cost increases, and profit is forecast to be lower than in 2020/21.”

Read more: Sales of Mackie's ice cream and chocolate soar

Ongoing product development is underway for the 2023 market, alongside a focus on further export growth in Asia.

Mac added: “We have identified how important quality of product is to our customers and consumers and further investment in new freezers and our new refrigeration system not only improves our environmental credentials but has also been proven to improve the quality of our ice creams. Other investments in renewable energy and animal welfare underlines our commitment to sustainability and helps ensure the longevity of what is now a fifth-generation family business for future generations of family, staff and customers.”