A major new site acquisition is set to unlock fresh opportunities for a leading Scottish ice cream producer as it looks ahead to its next chapter.
The purchase of a 50,000 square foot distribution facility in Kintore, Aberdeenshire marks a significant step in Mackie’s of Scotland’s long-term plans, creating new capacity while reinforcing its commitment to the North-east economy and community.
The move comes as the business celebrates 40 years in operation, having grown from a small family farm into the UK’s fastest-growing premium ice cream brand, while still remaining true to its founding values.
Stuart Common, Managing Director of Mackie’s of Scotland, said: “This is an exciting move that strengthens our foundations and gives us greater control over how we get our products to customers efficiently and, importantly, sustainably, from right here in Aberdeenshire.”
Located just 15 minutes from the company’s existing base, the Kintore site will serve as a key distribution hub, allowing Mackie’s to manage more of its operations from the North-east while reducing unnecessary food miles.
The investment addresses long-standing logistical challenges within the business. Previously, products destined for Scottish customers were required to travel significantly longer routes through third-party distribution networks.
With the new facility, Mackie’s will be able to store and dispatch products closer to home, cutting journey distances by hundreds of miles in some cases, and delivering clear gains in both efficiency and sustainability.
Stuart added: “This investment is a clear signal of intent and about building a business with the capacity to keep growing, reach more customers and do so in a way that stays true to our green values.
“By bringing more of our distribution under our control here in the North-east, we can do more locally, keep skills and expertise in the region, and significantly reduce the distance our products travel - something that really matters to us both commercially and from a sustainability point of view.”
L-R Stuart Common Managing Director, Roddy Adam Site Supervisor, Mac Mackie Chair
Executive Chairman Maitland (Mac) Mackie added: “This is a really pivotal moment in our history. After 40 years of building this business as a family, this is an important and exciting next step for us.
“This investment is a physical demonstration of how we’re backing the business, supporting the area we call home, and making sure we’re in a strong position for the next generation.”
Mackie’s recently reported its highest-ever turnover of £24.8 million, representing an 11% year-on-year increase, alongside a 3% rise in profits for the financial year ending May 2025.
This growth has been driven by expanding UK distribution and increasing brand awareness, with products reaching 2,110 additional retail shelves across major supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Asda.
Mackie’s also attracted more than 300,000 new buyers over the year and is now purchased by more than a quarter of households in Scotland, underlining its strong and growing market position.
Alongside product excellence, sustainability has remained central to the business, with investments in wind turbines, solar energy and low-carbon refrigeration systems enabling it to generate more energy than it consumes.
The Kintore site is expected to complement this approach, with potential for further sustainability measures, including renewable energy integration, as part of future development plans.
The acquisition also reinforces the company’s deep-rooted presence in Aberdeenshire, where it has played an active role as an employer and contributor to the local economy for four decades.
Stuart said: “Reinvesting in Aberdeenshire is hugely important to us because it is where the business began and where our roots still are today. Everything we do is grounded in that farming heritage, and the community has been tremendous in supporting us over the last four decades.
“We’re excited to have this opportunity to create even more possibilities locally, by supporting jobs, keeping skills in the North-east and contributing to the wider economy and community here.”
Looking ahead, Mackie’s is focused on building resilience and capacity, ensuring it can continue to innovate in both sustainability and product development while meeting growing demand across the UK and international markets.