Aberdeenshire-based baker Murdoch Allan has landed a deal with Aldi Scotland.
The Hatton-headquartered firm has been appointed as a new bread roll supplier for the supermarket giant.
The deal, for an undisclosed sum, will see its freshly baked wholemeal and Scottish morning rolls on sale across Aldi’s 104 Scottish stores.
Murdoch Allan, which employs 150 staff, has been in business for three decades. It has bakeries in Fraserburgh, Turriff, Hatton, Peterhead and Mintlaw.
Paul Allan, son of founding baker Murdoch Allan, has spearheaded the company’s ambitious growth plans over recent years.
‘Rich history’
In 2015, famous Aberdeen bakery, Thains became part of the Murdoch Allan family portfolio.
Managing director Mr Allan said: “We are proud to be a bakery with a rich history serving the north-east of Scotland for three decades supplying supermarkets, shops and bakeries with our range of sweet and savoury treats, including our famous Aberdeen buttery and award-winning Pittodrie Pie.
“We are delighted to have our rolls stocked in Aldi and the partnership demonstrates our commitment to serving our quality products across Scotland and our ongoing relationships with national supermarkets.”
Supporting local producers
Since opening its first Scottish store in 1994, Aldi, has continued to stock local producers.
Currently, it works with over 90 individual local suppliers to curate a diverse range of food and drink from Scotland.
It has a number of stores across the north and north-east including Aberdeen, Elgin, Ellon, Inverness and Inverurie.
Scottish-made goods accounted for 25% of overall sales in the past year.
Aldi Scotland group buying director Graham Nicolson said: “We are thrilled to welcome Murdoch Allan as our newest bakery supplier.
“Murdoch Allan embody all the values we look for in our partners, and are committed to bringing quality, delicious bakery items to the people of Scotland.
“We will be carrying the traditional Scottish morning rolls, as well as a wholemeal option in-store for our customers to enjoy as part of their weekly shopping.”
Murdoch Allan history
Murdoch Allan started in 1991 when Murdoch and Caroline Allan bought Reid’s bakery in Fraserburgh. Current Managing Director Paul Allan joined the team fresh from bakery college in Aberdeen at the same time.
The firm then acquired Robb’s bakery in Strichen, famous for its oatcakes and butter biscuits.
Product ranges increased as well as the supply of corner shops and independent supermarkets.
In 2002, with the long-established Simmers factory in Hatton due for closure by owners United Biscuits, a deal was reached with the help of then local MP Alex Salmond and local councillors for Murdoch Allan to take over the factory and maintain production in the village.
As a result, local jobs were safeguarded and turnover virtually doubled overnight.
Murdoch Allan now operate five retail outlets in the north-east offering fresh bakery goods and takeaway meals.
