Pay boost for Mackie's ice cream staff as profits rise

Mac Mackie predicted a big year ahead

The top-selling tub of ice-cream in Scotland is to deliver a 10% boost to staff pay at the Aberdeenshire dairy farm where it is made.

Mackie's claims to have a fifth of the Scottish market, with a presence in major supermarkets.

It is now growing its chocolate range, with a new production plant on the farm at Westertown, Rothienorman, part of a £6m investment programme for 2016.

Annual results show a 10% boost to profits, reaching £1.9m.

There was a £500,000 increase in turnover to £11.6m.

The staff bonus scheme, based on profits, means a pay-out of 10% of pay.

'Big ambition'

The fourth generation family firm is targeting exports, with a sharp rise in sales into Taiwan and Korea, and with hopes for India.

Mackie's highlighted the green credentials of its operations, last year adding a fourth wind turbine, and having a large solar farm.

The family has been farming the 1,500 acre farm since 1912, now with 300 dairy cattle.

It has been producing ice-cream since 1986, and chocolate since 2014.

Managing director Mac Mackie said: "We have big ambition for the year ahead.

"Our continued investment in company growth and our chocolate range is going from strength to strength with a new 35g bar and new product development in the pipeline".