Mackie’s scoops record year

Mackie’s of Scotland has recorded a 20% increase in annual turnover to £16.7 million with a 60% spike in operating profits to £2.1 million.

The firm, headquartered in Aberdeenshire’s Rothienorman, is now looking to drive profits back into the business with the creation of a £4.5 million state-of-the-art and environmentally friendly refrigeration system that will reduce both energy use and CO2 emissions by 80%.

Its Aberdeen parlour, Mackie’s 19.2, based in Marischal Square, saw sales increase by 136%.

Figures, for the financial year ending May 2019, also saw sales of chocolate grow by 63% and across the whole business, revenues from exports increased by 72%, with the US and Far East markets developing.

Mac Mackie, managing director and one of three sibling owners, said: “This has been a quite extraordinary set of results for the business.

“This past year’s success is enabling us to make a serious investment in improving our operations, which will in the longer-term increase our sustainability and secure job opportunities for more staff in our native Aberdeenshire and beyond.”

The company’s net assets were up by 12.2% and the operating profit continued to rise, standing at £2.1 million. Overall costs increased by 17% on the previous year, in keeping with the growth in outputs – and the firm was able to grow its headcount by seven to 83.

The company produces more than 70% of the energy required for the business and renewable energy generation on its Aberdeenshire farm contributed almost £1m to the turnover of the business in 2018/19.

 Mac added: “Through our huge investment in our state-of-the-art freezer system, we’re bidding to become 100% self-sufficient in renewable energy by 2020 alongside our aim to have the most efficient factory in the UK for the production of quality dairy ice cream.

“Sustainability and long-term business efficiency improvements are our big focus for the year ahead.”

Mackie’s fourth-generation family farm started producing ice cream in 1986.