A traditional Granite city fish smokery celebrated the opening of its expanded factory with the arrival of a trophy from the Queen.
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, George Adam, presented the crystal bowl and scroll that accompanies John Ross Jr having been chosen to receive a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in April.
He also officially opened the family-owned firm’s new factory extension, which has quadrupled the size of John Ross’ premises in Sinclair Road.
The Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2016 was handed to John Ross Jr for its continual growth in overseas exports over the last six years.
The extension of the factory, which is home to listed brick-built kilns dating back to 1857, is expected to create up to seven new jobs and will support growing international demand for Scottish smoked salmon.
Chairman Andrew Leigh said: “To receive the Queen’s Award for Enterprise is an honour and to welcome the Lord Provost, who not only presented the award but also joined the team in opening the new factory, is a privilege. We are thrilled with the amount of recognition we continue to receive and believe that the launch of the new factory extension will help provide the foundations for future international success and contribute towards Scotland’s growing international appeal when it comes to traditionally prepared food products.”
The Lord Provost received a tour of the traditional brick kilns before meeting company employees and sampling some of the smokehouse’s award-winning smoked salmon.
Mr Adam said: “It has been a real pleasure to meet with a successful local company which plays such a key role in adding value to the Scottish economy. It’s very reassuring that the demand for Scottish food continues to grow and that the Aberdeen area continues to lead the way in quality and innovation. Businesses such as John Ross Jr are a huge asset, not only on a domestic level but also internationally. As a result, it is only right their achievements are recognised and I was delighted to present the company with this prestigious award on behalf of the Queen.”
Using time-honoured smoking techniques throughout its production process, John Ross Jr is a royal favourite, having held the Royal Appointment for Fish Merchant and Curer to Her Majesty The Queen for 29 years.
The company, which was established in 1987, remains wholly owned and managed by the Leigh family.
