Mackie’s at Taypack is set to more than double production of its premium potato crisps when it moves to a new factory later this month as part of its strategy to expand both in the UK and abroad.
The relocation to Errol, which will increase output from 96,000 to 201,000 150g bags a week, marked an “enormous step up” for the company and would provide capacity for further growth, it said.
The development of the new site, a former brickworks, has been facilitated by seven-figure funding from the Scottish Parliament and Clydesdale Bank.
As part of its increased production, the brand is extending its portfolio with a range of new ridge-cut crisps that will sit alongside the ‘dipper’ range launched last year. The four new variants - caramelised red onion, roast ham, sea salt & mixed peppercorns and prawn cocktail, will be unveiled at the Royal Highland Show from 20 to 23 June, and will roll into stores in Scotland from September, and across other markets early next year.
The NPD and increased production would help the brand further expand its UK business following its first listing south of the border in 50 Asda stores in April, said marketing manager Rebecca Russell.
“We’ve done very well in Scotland, but we want to grow our market in England as well as globally,” she said. “It was a huge step to get the Asda listing and it has become our gateway across the border.”
Turnover in 2012 rose 24% to £3.1m, and following “rocketing international demand” it was expected to rise by a further 48% to £4.6m over the next year, said Russell. Its overseas business currently accounts for 20% of turnover, she added, but this was likely to rise to about 40% within a couple of years.
The company was founded in 2009 as a joint venture between family-owned potato producer Taypack and luxury ice cream manufacturer Mackie’s of Scotland.
Its crisps are now available in 20 countries, including Canada, Singapore, Australia and the US.
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