Dundee venison firm Highland Game has secured new deals with a recipe box firm and wholesalers worth in excess of £2 million over the next year.
Launching UK-wide tomorrow, Highland Game will supply 20,000 Christmas venison and camembert burgers to Gousto, the UK’s largest recipe box company.
The Dundee food firm, which employs 110 staff at its factory at Dryburgh Industrial Estate, has a further contract to supply venison steaks to Gousto subscribers for the week before Christmas.
Meanwhile the company has increased its distribution with UK wholesalers Costco, Booker and Brakes.
A decade ago, roughly 95% of Highland Game’s domestically produced venison was exported overseas, with the rest sold through select butchers and delicatessens.
Today, 75% of the company’s produce is sold domestically to key retailers and wholesalers.
Managing director and founder of Highland Game Christian Nissen said the company’s success was down to its partnerships with Forestry Land Scotland and private estates.
He said: “It’s our vision to make venison available the length and breadth of the UK.
“None of our success would be possible without the integrated approach we have taken over the past 20 years working in collaboration with Forestry Land Scotland and more than 200 Private Estates.
“Together, we’ve built a robust supply chain which is supported by an ethical and sustainable deer management programme that protects the welfare of the animals and limits the environmental impact of the industry.”
The announcements follows news in September of Highland Game securing increased distribution with supermarkets Tesco and Morrisons worth over £1m.
Danish entrepreneur Mr Nissen, who formed the company in 1997, said the ongoing uncertainty due to Brexit had been challenging but said his focus was to increase awareness and develop the UK market for venison.
“The current business climate is a difficult one, including the ongoing lack of clarity over future UK trading arrangements,” he said.
“External uncertainty of any type is always hard for business, however over the past few years we’ve worked with our public and private sector partners to develop the UK market for venison and increase awareness and demand for this sustainable product.
“Together, we can and will continue to grow this market even further and ensure venison remains a Scottish success story.”
Andrew Lewis, buying director at Gousto, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Highland Game to introduce two new venison products.”
rmclaren@thecourier.co.uk