Mackie’s of Scotland has secured the largest single order in its history through a £1m export deal with Chinese distributor Aura.
The agreement will see the Scottish ice cream producer stocked in a range of Chinese retailers alongside the opening of Mackie’s scooping parlours across the country.
The business described the partnership with Aura as a “pivotal step” in its long-term export ambitions and a “major breakthrough in one of the world’s most competitive and complex retail markets”.
It comes after former prime minister Keir Starmer’s visit to the world’s second largest economy in January, in a bid to tackle the current period of geopolitical instability by opening up more opportunities for UK business in the Chinese market.
Angus Hayhow, head of marketing and export manager at Mackie’s of Scotland, said the order “reflects the strength of the relationships we’ve been building internationally”.
Alongside China, Mackie’s exports to countries including Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, the UAE and the United States, with international sales accounting for up to 15% of its total turnover, which hit £24.8m last year.
“China is a complex market, but one with enormous potential,” Hayhow continued. “This partnership gives us a strong platform to grow from and demonstrates the appetite for high-quality, premium ice cream in global markets.”
The Aura agreement arrives alongside expansion in South Korea, where Mackie’s has secured nationwide listings with two of the country’s largest retailers, LotteMart and Homeplus.
These deals are set to generate £600k in turnover in the 2026/27 financial year, according to Mackie’s. Additionally, Costco purchased more than one million litres of Mackie’s Traditional ice cream in Taiwan last year.
“Our approach has always been about building steady, sustainable growth rather than chasing short-term wins,” Angus added. “Each new market brings its own challenges, but also opportunities to learn and improve.
“What’s encouraging is that the same core qualities: high cream content, freshness, quality and simplicity, resonate with customers wherever we go.”
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