Over the past decade, the Aberdeenshire-based family-owned business more than doubled its ice cream sales, selling over 13.3 million litres in the financial year 2022-23 alone.

This success was made possible through continued investment in its production facilities, workforce, and a targeted marketing strategy. Market penetration across the whole of the UK increased by 11% annually, buoyed by the introduction of Mackie’s Honeycomb flavour to major retailers such as Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, and Morrisons. The expansion beyond Mackie’s traditional flavour to the rest of the UK resonated with ice cream lovers nationwide, leading to strong sales growth.

The company’s ice cream journey to started in 1986 when they transitioned from producing and selling milk. Mackie’s identified a decline in milk deliveries and an excess of cream in its family farm. Capitalising on this, they began producing ice cream, quickly becoming a local favourite.

A key to Mackie’s recent rise in sales has been its approach to managing the cost-of-living crisis. Unlike competitors, the company absorbed most of the industry’s rising costs, keeping prices closer to pre-crisis levels.

Commenting on the strategy, Stuart Common, managing director of Mackie’s, said: “Our recent sales success is a reflection of our team’s hard work and considered, responsible decision-making.

“While the cost-of-living crisis has pushed up the prices for our raw materials, we’ve taken every effort to limit price rises that are passed onto our customers, which has been reflected in reduced profits.

“However, our increase in both sales and market share demonstrates that consumers reward companies like Mackie’s for leaving more in their pocket without compromising product flavour, sustainability, or quality.

“We’re thrilled to have returned such an impressive increase in our sales during a difficult period for the sector. The key for us now is to continue to grow our reach while ensuring our new customers become long term advocates for us, as the economy settles.”

Mackie’s now holds a significant 21% share in Scotland’s ice cream market.

The firm’s sustainability initiatives have also played a part in its recent sales successes. Its considerable renewable energy generation capacity has insulated it from the worst of the energy price rises, and recent investment in a low-carbon refrigeration system have reduced its refrigeration-related energy requirements.