Husband-and-wife team, Jiap and Ian McDonald, opened Jiap’s Thai Asian Foodmarket in late 2020 with the hope of inspiring the local community to try new foods.

The business specifically sells a wide range of popular Thai and Filipino food, drink, and ingredients, bringing something different to Aberdeenshire.

Originally from Thailand, co-owner Jiap fell in love with Scotland’s countryside and settled down in the small town of Turriff with her husband and business partner, Ian McDonald, in 2004.

With a passion for Thai and Filipino cuisine, Jiap and Ian noticed a gap in the market for an Asian focused food market that could supply quality fresh produce in the local community, and launched their very own business in late 2020.

Met with enthusiasm from the local community, the pair have been able to share their knowledge about Asian ingredients with the people of Turriff over the last few years. Seeking ways to continue to inspire others to try new recipes, Jiap and Ian reached out to Business Gateway for support to expand Jiap’s Thai Asian Foodmarket.

Jiap and Ian benefitted from a range of Business Gateway support, including one-to-one guidance from a dedicated business adviser, which included a strategic review of their business plan.

Through Business Gateway, the duo also attended workshops to learn about improving their digital and social media presence, specifically on how to boost the business’ brand in the local community. The tools and techniques learned in these workshops have provided Jiap and Ian with valuable skills which have aided in the growth of their business online.

Jiap and Ian are currently working with Business Gateway on expanding the business website, creating an online shop and delivery service. Due to popular demand, Jiap and Ian are now working on providing meal kits with recipes for a variety of dishes so customers can cook their own meals using Jiap’s recipes.

Jiap McDonald, co-owner of Jiap’s Thai Asian Foodmarket, commented: “I wanted to introduce my friends and neighbours in my local community to my culture, but I really struggled to engage the community.

“By going to Business Gateway for support and advice, I’ve been able to plan out what my next steps are. My local adviser has been incredibly supportive, and I know I’ll continue to receive great guidance as we start the next chapter for our business.”

Catherine Homewood, Business Gateway adviser said: “Jiap and Ian approached us for advice on how to expand their services and how to effectively plan for the future.

“We were able to provide a strategic review of their business, and taught them about the importance of businesses being online. I look forward to supporting them as they continue to grow in the local community,”