The family-owned, fourth-generation meat wholesale company Macduff 1890, under the leadership of Andrew Duff, the great-grandson of its founder, has ceased operations and closed.

Andrew Duff expressed his great disappointment that trading conditions had given him no other option,

He explained: “On Friday, March 15, Macduff 1890 ceased its operations, and it’s a decision made with deep sadness. I’ve personally contacted all our suppliers and customers to apprise them of the situation and to let them know that our doors are now closed.

“My personal passion has always been centred around championing rare and native breeds, and I earnestly hope that another firm within the meat industry will carry forward this passion.”

SAMW executive manager Scott Walker said: “It is very sad to see the closure of a long-established meat wholesale business. This is a reflection of the thin operating margins which the entire industry operates on and the challenging conditions the industry has faced in recent years.”