Latest news with #Mackie's
Scotsman
7 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Heatwave scoops record month for ice cream maker
Sunshine, supermarket listings and eye-catching ads combine for landmark sales milestone Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... JULY has seen one of Scotland's best-loved food brands record its biggest ever sales month through a combination of blazing summer sunshine, growing retail presence and a landmark marketing push. Family-owned Mackie's of Scotland has confirmed that it sold over 1.9 million litres of ice cream during the month of July, achieving a new all-time monthly sales record. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The standout month comes on the back of a hot summer, with the UK basking in its warmest July since 2019, with Scotland recording average temperatures in the low 20s – ideal conditions for frozen treats. Mackie's Raspberry Ripple Ice cream Helping capitalise on the demand, Mackie's has also significantly expanded its presence in major supermarkets. The brand's popular Traditional tubs saw increased availability in Tesco and Morrisons, while Raspberry Ripple gained a permanent place on Sainsbury's local shelves, helping it become the chain's most widely distributed raspberry ripple ice cream. Adding further momentum was the roll-out of Mackie's biggest-ever outdoor marketing campaign. The Full Cream Ahead series focuses on Mackie's unique recipe blend that prioritises full cream and milk content in its products. With billboards and posters across parts of England, Full Cream Ahead displays a significant investment to broadening brand reach and introducing more households south of the border to Mackie's' farm-crafted, no-nonsense ingredients range. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Stuart Common, Mackie's Managing Director, praised the collective efforts of staff across the business. Stuart Common, Mackie's Managing Director He said: 'The month of July saw impressive results, selling over 1,900,000 litres of ice cream, our best results in the history of the company. That's enough ice cream to fill over 15 000 bathtubs or our local Inverurie swimming pool three times over. 'These results would not have been possible without the hard work of everyone at Mackie's. Staff have volunteered to work extra shifts to keep up with demand, we have also created new summer roles and increased the number in our production team. We are consistently working hard at increasing standards and the July sales are testament to this.' Stuart added: 'We're investing more than ever in letting people know about Mackie's. The marketing campaign is about making a bold statement, but also about being proud of our roots, our values, and the fact that we make our ice cream right here on the family farm.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The farm's ice cream parlour, Mackie's 19.2 has also enjoyed a record-breaking period of sales in July following the internationally renowned Tall Ships Festival, selling over 18 000 scoops of nautical inspired treats. Mackie's Raspberry Ripple Ice cream Mackie's ice cream continues to grow in popularity and is now purchased by around 25% of households in Scotland and 8% of households across the UK, making it the most popular family-owned ice cream brand nationwide.
Scotsman
7 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Record sales for iconic Scottish food firm as temperatures soar
'These results would not have been possible without the hard work of everyone at Mackie's' – Stuart Common, MD Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Ice cream maker Mackie's of Scotland has hailed a record month for sales thanks to the sunny weather and new supermarket listings. The family-owned firm said it had sold some 1.9 million litres of ice cream during July, setting a new all-time monthly sales record. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The standout month comes on the back of sizzling temperatures, with the UK basking in its warmest July since 2019, and Scotland recording average temperatures in the low 20s. The firm has seen strong sales of its raspberry ripple ice cream. Helping capitalise on the demand, Mackie's has also significantly expanded its presence in major supermarkets. The brand's popular 'traditional' tubs saw increased availability in retail giants Tesco and Morrisons, while its raspberry ripple product gained a permanent place on Sainsbury's local shelves, helping it become the chain's most widely distributed raspberry ripple ice cream. Adding further momentum was the roll-out of the ice cream maker's biggest-ever outdoor marketing campaign. Managing director Stuart Common said: 'The month of July saw impressive results, selling over 1,900,000 litres of ice cream, our best results in the history of the company. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'These results would not have been possible without the hard work of everyone at Mackie's. Staff have volunteered to work extra shifts to keep up with demand and we have also created new summer roles and increased the number in our production team. We are consistently working hard at increasing standards and the July sales are testament to this.' He added: 'We're investing more than ever in letting people know about Mackie's. The marketing campaign is about making a bold statement, but also about being proud of our roots, our values, and the fact that we make our ice cream right here on the family farm.' The company's ice cream parlour, Mackie's 19.2, also enjoyed a record-breaking period of sales in July, following the internationally renowned Tall Ships Festival.
The Herald Scotland
11-08-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Ice cream Mackie's of Scotland reports record month in July
Family-owned Mackie's revealed it sold more than 1.9 million litres of ice cream over the month as Scotland regularly basked in temperatures in the low 20s. The brand's sizzling summer was helped by expanded supermarket listings, with increased availability of its Traditional variety in Tesco and Morrisons, while its Raspberry Ripple flavour secured a permanent place in Sainsbury's Local outlets. Mackie's, which is produced on the eponymous family farm in Aberdeenshire, said it was boosted by the roll-out of the brand's biggest-ever outdoor marketing campaign. The Full Cream Ahead series, which is focused on recipes that prioritise full cream and milk, has featured on billboard and posters across parts of England, allowing Mackie's to introduce itself to more households south of the Border. Read more: Stuart Common, managing director of Mackie's, said: 'The month of July saw impressive results, selling over 1,900,000 litres of ice cream, our best results in the history of the company. That's enough ice cream to fill over 15,000 bathtubs or our local Inverurie swimming pool three times over. 'These results would not have been possible without the hard work of everyone at Mackie's. Staff have volunteered to work extra shifts to keep up with demand, we have also created new summer roles and increased the number in our production team. We are consistently working hard at increasing standards and the July sales are testament to this.' Mr Common added: 'We're investing more than ever in letting people know about Mackie's. The marketing campaign is about making a bold statement, but also about being proud of our roots, our values, and the fact that we make our ice cream right here on the family farm.' Mackie's revealed that the farm's ice cream parlour near Inverurie, Mackie's 19.2, also enjoyed record-breaking period sales in July as the internationally renowned Tall Ships Festival was held in Aberdeen, selling over 18,000 scoops of 'nautical-inspired' treats. The company's fifth-generation family dairy farm at Westertown is powered by its own renewable energy installations, including wind turbines, a 10-acre solar farm and a low-carbon refrigeration system, allowing the farm to produce twice as much energy as it consumes. Scotland small-group tours firm Rabbie's eyes global growth Hazel Rickett, who heads Rabbie's Tours, reveals she would like to see the Scottish company's small-group tours running all over the world. The trained botanist joined Rabbie's, which this year received the King's Award for Enterprise in International Trade, as a driver guide. Rabbie's, which has an annual turnover of £30 million and employs 297 people, currently runs tours in Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, Spain and Portugal as well as in the UK. Read Ian McConnell's Q&A with Hazel Rickett here SNP's Kate Forbes leaves big gap to fill on Scottish economy Last week was one that began with a big surprise, continuing what has been a very busy summer on the news front. The announcement from Kate Forbes, who has had a very high profile since being appointed as Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic in May last year, that she would not be standing at next year's Holyrood election came as a bolt from the blue. (Image: Newsquest) The MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch declared she did not want to 'miss any more of the precious early years of family life'. While the decision is entirely understandable, there is no doubting Ms Forbes will be a major loss to the SNP. Read Ian McConnell's Business Editor's newsletter in full here
Scottish Sun
03-08-2025
- Scottish Sun
Five savvy ways to make travel cheaper by hopping on a bus
Plus find out which store to head to for holiday bargains SUN SAVERS Five savvy ways to make travel cheaper by hopping on a bus Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DRIVE down the cost of your next trip by hopping on a bus. Travelling by coach is a savvy way to see more of the UK or Europe. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up Here are some nifty ways to save even more on your adventure . . . COMPARE AND CONQUER: Ditch overpriced flights and train fares with European coach travel comparison website Enter your desired pick-up and drop-off destination and it will scan to compare ticket prices. For further European and global bus travel, try comparison site TICKET STEALS: Flixbus is still quite new to the UK but it offers great prices, with fares from £4.49 each way. Bag bargain early-bird fares if you book eight or more weeks ahead of your trip. Register at to unlock discounts and flash sales — in the past there have been fares from £2. To travel from Reading to Bristol on the afternoon of August 16, the cheapest train fare we could find via is £30.50, compared to £9.99 for Flixbus. CARD TRICKS: If you are over 60 or disabled, you can get a National Express Coach card for £15 (+£3 P&P) to save a third on standard and fully flexible fares. Plus enjoy £15 mid-week day returns (excluding airport journeys) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Essential Travel Tips: Avoid Getting Banned Over the 'Return Ticket' Rule and Top Budget Destinations There are also coach cards for students and those aged 16-26 with similar discounts. Plus, this summer, with the code KIDSFREE at two children aged three to 15 can ride at no cost with each fare-paying adult. Perfect for family days out to the seaside or visiting relatives across the country. SPLIT SAVER: Try to plot your journey. The split travel site helps plan journeys from A to B with routes that include a blend of train, bus and flights together. The journey will take longer but can work out cheaper. TRAVEL IN STYLE: Many coaches now have plush seats, free wifi and personal charging points. Plus, luggage is included in the coach ticket price, avoiding those extra costs on flights. And it will be safely stashed in the luggage compartment so you know it will arrive with you. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability 7 Drive down the cost of your next trip by hopping on a bus Credit: Shutterstock Deal of the day 7 Grab a pair of Emporio Armani sliders Credit: Supplied FOR holiday bargains, head to A pair of Emporio Armani sliders, RRP £24.99, are now £16. SAVE: £8.99 Cheap treat 7 1L of Mackie's Traditional luxury dairy ice cream is reduced at Tesco Credit: Supplied SCOOP up 1L of Mackie's Traditional luxury dairy ice cream, usually £3.30, now £2.60 at Tesco when you scan your Clubcard. SAVE: 70p What's new? GET up to 80 per cent off toys and games at Home Bargains right now. This Hasbro Connect 4 game was £7.99, now it's £4.99. Top swap 7 Try this striped ruffle cushion for £19.50 from M&S Credit: Supplied 7 Or revamp your existing cushions with a set of four similar cushion covers GIVE your sofa a makeover by adding this striped ruffle cushion, £19.50, from M&S. Or revamp your existing cushions with a set of four similar cushion covers for £7 at SAVE: £12.50 Little helper KIDS eat free at Burger King this summer. Until August 31, get a free King Jr meal when accompanied by an adult buying a burger meal. Shop & save 7 Try these pretty blue bowls from Ikea Credit: Supplied SERVE up breakfast in these pretty blue bowls, usually £8 for a set of four, now £5 at Ikea. SAVE: £3 Hot right now MIX and match five basic food items for £5 at B&M. The deal includes Warburtons bread, Heinz beans, milk and more, with savings of up to £2 compared to buying separately. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
Scotsman
01-07-2025
- Scotsman
Pedal power fuels heartfelt mission across Ireland
A tireless five-day charity cycle challenge has seen an Aberdeenshire farmer conquer more than 555 miles across Ireland, rubbing shoulders with sporting icons along the way. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... David Stephen, owner of Barra Castle near Oldmeldrum, was part of a peloton taking part in the Doddie Aid Ride – a gruelling cycling event designed to raise funds and awareness for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, which supports research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND). As a key supplier and long-term collaborator with Mackie's of Scotland, David received vital backing from the family-run ice cream brand, which pledged to donate one litre of ice cream for every mile he completed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With 555 miles in the saddle, the commitment equates to a generous donation of 110 Napoli tubs, which Barra have converted into a monetary contribution to support David's ongoing fundraising efforts. David has already raised more than £7,500 towards his ambitious £15,000 goal, with ongoing contributions helping him close the gap. David has already raised more than £7,500 towards his ambitious £15,000 goal, with ongoing contributions helping him close the gap. With participants clocking in over 100 miles each day, the challenge proved demanding, with David battling fierce winds and torrential rain on the exposed west coast of Ireland. David said: 'There were moments when I thought, 'I can't do this', especially grinding up steep hills into 50-mile-an-hour crosswinds. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'But you remind yourself why you're there. Compared to what people living with MND face, this is nothing.' With 555 miles in the saddle, the commitment equates to a generous donation of 110 Napoli tubs. Despite only taking up cycling two months prior to the event, and purchasing a bike from Facebook Marketplace, David committed to raising £15,000 for the cause. 'It wasn't about the gear or the cost of the bike – I was on a £200 machine, but that didn't matter. Everyone had to put in the same effort. What counted was showing up, pushing through and being part of something bigger than yourself. I think that really resonated with everyone involved. We were united by purpose, not performance.' Having worked closely with Mackie's through his own fruit enterprise, David saw the opportunity to combine their partnership with fundraising. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He added: 'We sell lots of Mackie's ice cream blended with our fruit, so we already have a great working relationship. Their donation in support of this challenge just shows how genuine they are in backing people they work with. Doddie's Lions Challenge 2025 celebrity cycle concludes in Dublin after 555-mile cycle across Ireland. David Stephen is pictured at the finish line at Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan. 'They recognised what I was trying to do and stepped up in a way that was thoughtful and meaningful. That kind of support really spurs you on when the going gets tough.' Kirstin McNutt, Development Director at Mackie's of Scotland said: 'When we heard about David's incredible challenge and the cause behind it, we knew we wanted to help in a way that reflected our partnership and shared values. 'We're so proud to be part of his journey and to contribute in a way that celebrates the connection between our businesses and the wider community.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The campaign saw David cycle alongside a cast of well-known names, including former footballer and broadcaster Ally McCoist, who David praised for his determination throughout the journey. 'He's a great cyclist! He might be a bit older than some of us, but you could tell why he was so successful in sport. He just doesn't give up. He's got this inner drive and kept going, cracking jokes all the way. 'Everyone was so approachable. You'd end up riding beside someone new after each hill, so the conversations kept flowing. It was a great leveller and a powerful reminder of what collective action can achieve.' The cycle challenge, fronted by former Scottish Rugby international Kenny Logan, concluded at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin during the British & Irish Lions' summer tour opener with Argentina. David and the 25 other cyclists enjoyed a lap of honour at half time. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
