Firms benefit from £26.8m of sales

Food producers which have come through a supermarket chain’s latest development programme came together at the Scottish Parliament to celebrate the extra sales it has produced.

The 25 suppliers have earned £26.8m in sales through their deals with Asda and some have brought innovative products to market.

They include McKechnie Jess which launched a new flavour of haggis, and Scotty Brand which has expanded into confectionery. Mackie’s, which launched into popcorn this year, secured a deal with Asda in May.

Alan Miller, of Asda Scotland, said 120 suppliers were benefiting from Asda’s spending power every year.

“We care about local sourcing because it is a cornerstone of our business,” he said.

James Withers, chief executive of Scotland Food and Drink, said the Asda initiative was exactly what the industry needed to drive growth – a big customer buying local produce.

“It is appropriate that we toast the success of the academy during Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight,” he said, reminding guests that more than 200 events were taking place around the country.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “This year we have seen a record turnover in our food and drink sector and Asda are very much a part of that success.”