Fife-based farmers’ co-operative East of Scotland Growers has secured more than 70 new outlets for its range of broccoli crisps and is set to build on success by launching new products next year.
The progressive co-operative’s 16 broccoli growers in Fife, Perthshire, Angus and the Scottish Borders established Growers Garden to produce crisps made from vegetables that would otherwise be discarded as waste.
The crisps, made from “wonky” vegetables, are being marketed as vegan-friendly, gluten, dairy, lactose and wheat free with only 100% natural ingredients used.
Growers Garden commercial manager Alan Wallace said the company was not standing still.
“It’s a very exciting time for the company and we have ambitious plans for next year, including for new products,” he said. “I can’t say what these are yet, but Brussels sprouts lovers will be very happy.”
Growers Garden is now in the process of reformulating its products to increase the fresh broccoli content and is planning to launch a brand refresh, with new packaging.
The Cupar company has already won plaudits from the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) Scotland for taking a number of innovative steps to meet environmental challenges, make farming sustainable and reduce waste.
The growers attribute some of the success to being listed with food wholesalers, Bidfood Scotland, which issued a call-out to companies making healthy food and drink as part of the food service provider’s ‘Grabbing Goodness on the Go’ campaign.
The listing has given them access to customers such as the NHS.
Mr Wallace said: “Bidfood’s extensive network has allowed us to secure new customers right across Scotland that we would never have been able to reach by ourselves.”
Katie Sillars, Bidfood Scotland’s supplier development manager, said: “Having access to our network of customers gives innovative, new businesses like Growers Garden a fast track to reach a very wide customer base.
“It also helps to support local jobs and the Scottish economy.
“In time, some of these small producers may even pick up a national UK listing.”
nnicolson@thecourier.co.uk
