Mackie's 'sold enough ice cream to fill five Olympic swimming pools' in 2022

Aberdeenshire-based ice cream and chocolate firm Mackie’s hit record sales over the last year, it has revealed.

The family-owned business said sales of its ice cream alone surpassed £20m last year, selling over 13.3 million litres of the sweet treat – more than five Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Mackie’s attributed this boom to its new growth strategy south of the border, as well as investing in its production facilities and workforce.

Sales in the financial year 2022-23 were underpinned by an 11% annual increase in the company’s market penetration across the whole of the UK.

The growth saw Mackie’s add half a million new customers across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to its significant existing share in Scotland, where it occupies 21% of the ice cream market.

Stuart Common, managing director of Mackie’s, said: “Our recent sales success is a reflection of our team’s hard work and considered, responsible decision-making.

“While the cost-of-living crisis has pushed up the prices for our raw materials, we’ve taken every effort to limit price rises that are passed onto our customers, which has been reflected in reduced profits.

“However, our increase in both sales and market share demonstrates that consumers reward companies like Mackie’s for leaving more in their pocket without compromising product flavour, sustainability, or quality.

“We’re thrilled to have returned such an impressive increase in our sales during a difficult period for the sector. The key for us now is to continue to grow our reach while ensuring our new customers become long term advocates for us, as the economy settles.”

Mackie’s of Scotland produces all its ice cream using fresh dairy on its fifth-generation family farm, Westertown, near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire.

The brand presented with accolades at the 2023 Great Taste Awards, with each of its oldest flavour, Traditional, and newest flavour, Toffee Fudge, receiving two stars and glowing reviews by panellists.

Mackie’s said some new sustainability initiatives also played a part in its recent sales, with its “considerable renewable energy generation capacity” insulating it from the worst of the energy price rises.

The firm added that recent investment in a low-carbon refrigeration systems also reduced its refrigeration-related energy requirements.

Stuart added: “Mackie’s has always placed the preferences and concerns of our customers and the climate at the core of its business.

“Despite these being challenging times for all, we have worked hard to offset cost increases and the growth we’ve enjoyed shows that this was the right strategy.”