A Scottish midge repellent is getting set to move into lucrative Australian and North American markets after a successful summer saw it approach a tripling of its sales targets.
Smidge, created by former Dundee University academic Alison Blackwell’s Advanced Pest Solutions, has had its trial with supermarket giant Tesco extended after bottles flew off the shelves during a summer infestation of biting critters.
The firm’s temporary deal began with 35 stores around the country in May, but has now been extended to over 50.
The sales spike coincided with recent findings from APS’ Midge Forecast service, which showed a four-fold increase in the number of midges caught at a number of sample sites across Scotland.
It is thought the wet conditions have allowed the insects to survive longer and produce a bumper second generation.
Dr Blackwell, an internationally-recognised expert on biting insect biology, said sales of her scientifically-proven product had been particularly strong in the midges’ traditional west of Scotland stronghold.
”Tesco rolled out our product in 35 stores but after many of them, especially in places such as Fort William, had to restock, and sales were going really well, Smidge was made available in another 23 shops around Scotland,” she said.
”These sales, as well as those from our other stockists, have led to us having our best season yet. We are very hopeful that we can treble our estimated figures and that we can extend our deal with Tesco meaning it’s a very exciting time for Smidge.
”Our next aim is to move into other countries that also have a serious midge and mosquito problem such as Australia and in North America. We are already working with Australian counterparts and we are optimistic that Smidge will be readily available there within two years.”
Dr Blackwell hailed the support she had received from Business Gateway, saying help with growing and internationalising her business had been particularly valuable.
”This advice has allowed me to learn about and deal with exporting much more comfortably and in an informed way which has been a tremendous benefit,” she added.
Angus Bell, the supermarket’s local buying manager for Scotland, said: ”Tesco are excited about the introduction of Smidge to our product range it is a great example of bringing our customers a locally developed product for a particularly Scottish pest.”
Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Archive