Aberdeenshire-based food ingredient manufacturer Macphie is celebrating after picking up a national industry honour.
The family-owned company, based in Glenbervie, was named as the UK’s bakery manufacturer of the year in the Baking Industry Awards.
The result was revealed at a ceremony hosted by West End and television star Denise van Outen in London.
Macphie was shortlisted for the prize along with Bells of Lazonby, from Penrith, and Lancashire-based Bright Blue Foods, having gone through a judging process that included a site visit to its north-east headquarters.
The company, which also has a factory in North Lanarkshire, makes a wide variety of baking and culinary ingredients which are used by bakers, chefs and food manufacturers worldwide.
Commercial director Richard Cox, who collected the award on the night, said it was “tremendous recognition” for the firm.
He added: “The judges were looking for businesses that are ambitious and striving to be the best so this is a huge accolade for Macphie.
“The growing list of our high-profile customers across hospitality, retail and the public sector is testament to the trust they place in the quality products we deliver every day to incredibly high standards.
“We also place particular emphasis on how we look after our local environment so to have that recognised as well really is the icing on the cake.”
The award was one of 11 made across a range of categories at the event organised by a trade magazine. Macphie was the only Scottish business among the winners.
British Baker editor Vince Bamford paid tribute to the successful company and said the awards evening highlighted the “passion, creativity and care” that shapes the industry.
Earlier this year, Macphie announced that growing international success had led it to trim its trading name to prevent confusion among some of its overseas customers.
The firm said dropping “of Glenbervie” from its brand name also reflected the changing nature of the 89-year-old business.
The announcement was made in April as the company forecast “robust” UK and international sales for the current year, following a strong performance in 2015-16.
Among factors contributing to its success, the company highlighted increased sales in the Middle East.
Macphie, which has its headquarters on the 2,000-acre Glenbervie Estate, near Stonehaven, saw annual operating profits surge by almost £1million to £4.6million last year.
The firm’s land activities, including farming, estate interests and wind energy, are based in Glenbervie, while its “added value food ingredients business” operates from there and its plant at Tannochside, near Glasgow.
Headed by chairman and chief executive Alastair Macphie, the company employs more than 270 people across the two sites.
The business was founded in 1928 as a retail bakery by Mr Macphie’s great uncle, Alister Macphie.
In the past two years, Macphie has invested more than £1million in robotics and other equipment.
