Aberness Foods, the Mace wholesaler for Scotland, has bought three more independent retail outlets. The acquisition of the stores in the north east of Scotland ­ two in Elgin, one in Ellon ­ means it now owns 34 Mace badged outlets. Retail director Graeme Hay said: "In the last six months our company owned division of stores has increased by a third." At the same time, Aberness has recruited two Spar retailers ­ in Golspie and Brora ­ who will now trade as Mace. Hay said: "We have a consumer promotional package strong enough to compete with any other retail chain." {{NEWS }}