LOCKDOWN life has seen the UK turn to the simple pleasure of ice cream, helping a renowned Scottish firm to a record volume of sales this summer.
Despite the forced closures impacting food businesses such as cafes, bars, theatres and attractions, demand for “take-home” tubs of Mackie’s of Scotland’s produce helped its overall UK ice cream sales surge 35% year-on-year, between April to August.
Ice cream sales generally have risen in lockdown with Kantar Worldpanel data showing sales increased 33% in the 12 weeks ending 14 June.
The family-owned business, which started making ice cream at its Aberdeenshire farm in 1986, has paid tribute to its 90 strong team of staff which has adapted, going “above and beyond” to keep freezer aisles stocked.
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Mac Mackie, managing director said: “Our key workers have adapted shifts to reduce numbers on site and pulled together to meet the surging demand.
"It would have been a huge undertaking to have achieved this in normal times, so in these circumstances it is incredible.
“Making ice cream during these unprecedented times has been difficult with some staff shielding, others with child care issues, some working from home, social distancing measures in the factory and enhanced hygiene procedures.
"We have made many adjustments to be able to keep going and meet demand.
“We’re very aware how fortunate we are to be in a line of work that has not been severely and negatively impacted by the pandemic and we are doing everything we can to keep going and like to think that our ice cream can give customers a little lift.”
While Mackie’s sales over the summer amounted to around 70 million scoops, its fastest-growing flavour was salted caramel, with sales up 86% on last year, suggesting a growing demand for ice cream to serve as a complete dessert and people with some extra time to trial new flavours.
Stuart Common, sales director at Mackie’s, said: “The business has never worked harder to meet demand and ensure our loyal customers could continue to enjoy our ice cream."
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