Royal seal of approval for Aberdeenshire based firm
MACKIE’S of Scotland’s pioneering manufacturing has received the Royal stamp of approval following a visit from the Princess Royal.
Her Royal Highness was welcomed to Westertown Farm near Inverurie, the home of Mackie’s, where she was shown the company’s dairy, ice cream and chocolate operations, including its innovative sky-to-scoop sustainability programme.
The visit showcased how the fifth-generation farm has evolved into a leader in sustainable food manufacturing, with a fully integrated process producing everything from renewable energy, to ice cream on site.
Mac Mackie, chairman at Mackie’s of Scotland, said: “It was an honour to welcome Princess Anne and share how Mackie’s has grown from a traditional dairy farm into a household name known for quality, sustainability and innovation.”
The tour of the facility began with the Princess Royal meeting with Doreen Harper and Lesley Skene, Mackie’s longest serving team members, who each have been working at the family-business for more than 4 years.
Her Royal Highness was then given a tour of the ice cream and chocolate production area before visiting Mackie’s New Product Development Kitchen. The Princess Royal then sampled ice cream and chocolate made with fresh milk and cream from Mackie’s own dairy herd.
Princess Anne then visited Mackie’s 350-strong herd of cows and met the farm personnel who oversee their robotic milking.
The tour concluded at the chocolate factory where the Princess Royal unveiled a commemorative plaque. She also received a Mackie’s gift bag and flowers from a staff member’s daughter.
Stuart Common, managing director at Mackie’s, said: “It was a real privilege to meet Her Royal Highness and showcase the dedication that goes into every scoop we make.
“Our sky-to-scoop philosophy is at the core of everything we do – generating our own power, using milk from our own cows and crafting every product on site. It allows us to guarantee the freshness, quality and sustainability that define the Mackie’s name.”
