The Scottish government is making "urgent arrangements" to meet with bosses at Inverurie butcher Donald Russell in a bid to save 120 jobs on the line at the struggling firm.
Earlier this week it was revealed Donald Russell was said to close operations, throwing 120 jobs into jeopardy.
Now, The Press and Journal reports, Minister for business Richard Lochhead has said the Scottish government is "unequivocal in its support for Scotland's red meat supply chain" and would be holding talks with the company as a matter of urgency.
He added: “Donald Russell is a business of pedigree and quality and a significant employer in Aberdeenshire.
“The difficulties it has been facing have unfortunately only been exacerbated by issues created by the UK Government, like Brexit, high energy prices and increases to employers’ National Insurance contributions.”
Donald Russell's interim chief executive Matthew Flood cited "unprecedented volatility in meat prices, unpredictable energy costs and the rising costs of doing business" as the driving factors behind the company's decline.
Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce's policy team has been engaging with local MPs and MSPs on the issue and potential government interventions.