Pre-tax profits rose by 67% to £2.24 million in the year to May, with turnover increasing by 7.2% to £22.3m. This turnaround follows a period of weaker results attributed to poor summer weather.

Growth was fuelled by increased product availability in major supermarkets, including Co-op, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco, attracting 400,000 new customers. Mackie’s, known for its ice cream and chocolate, also ended its joint venture with Taypack, with the crisp brand now rebranded as Taylors Snacks.

Managing director Stuart Common said: “We’re always delighted to see new consumers buying Mackie’s products, but what’s been particularly encouraging is that they are becoming repeat buyers, which can only mean they are loving our classic and delicious ice cream.”

However, he warned of significant challenges in the current financial year. Rising costs for key ingredients like cream and cocoa, alongside increased national insurance and living wage contributions, are expected to impact margins.

Despite these challenges, Mackie’s remains focused on sustainable growth, investing in its workforce, products, and environmental initiatives. The company’s renewable energy production, through wind turbines and a solar farm, has helped to mitigate rising costs.

Mr Common added: “Our sustainable initiatives, which see us renewably produce twice as much energy as we use at the farm, have stood us in good stead in recent years, allowing us to keep our offering very competitive while refusing to compromise on quality, amid rising costs across the board.”