MACKIE’S has reported ice cream sales of more than £20 million for the first time.

The Aberdeenshire-based company reached the landmark in its latest financial year during which it expanded its share of the overall UK ice cream market, helped by new nationwide listings with Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, and Morrisons for its second-most popular flavour after traditional, honeycomb.

Ice cream sales had totalled £16.5m in the firm's previous financial year, which covered the 12 months to May 31, 2022. The firm's latest accounts have still to be audited.

Mackie’s, which has its roots in dairy farming and began making ice cream in 1986, said ice cream sales have doubled in the last 10 years. The firm sold more than 13.3 million litres of ice cream, enough to fill more than five Olympic swimming pools, in its 2022/23 financial year, driven by its continued investment in production facilities and its workforce.

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Mackie’s said ithas been striving to absorb cost increases to keep its prices keen for consumers amid the continuing cost-of-living crisis. It highlighted the benefit from its investment in renewable energy generation at its Aberdeenshire farm, which it said has helped insulate the company from the sharp rise in energy costs in recent times.

Stuart Common, managing director of Mackie’s, said: “Our recent sales success is a reflection of our team’s hard work and considered, responsible decision-making.

“While the cost-of-living crisis has pushed up the prices for our raw materials, we’ve taken every effort to limit price rises that are passed onto our customers, which has been reflected in reduced profits.

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“However, our increase in both sales and market share demonstrates that consumers reward companies like Mackie’s for leaving more in their pocket without compromising product flavour, sustainability, or quality.

“We’re thrilled to have returned such an impressive increase in our sales during a difficult period for the sector. The key for us now is to continue to grow our reach while ensuring our new customers become long term advocates for us, as the economy settles.”

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Mackie’s said its recent growth has seen it add half a million customers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, building on its presence in Scotland, where it is said to command a 21% share of the ice cream market.

Earlier this year, the company brought its long-standing joint venture with the Taylor family, which produced Mackie's crisps, to a close. The Mackie's at Taypack venture had been making the crisps since 2009.

The crisps have since been rebranded Taylors after the Perthshire-based farming family took full control of the venture.

Mac Mackie, executive chairman at Mackie’s of Scotland, said at the time: “We have enjoyed a great few years with the Taylors founding and building up a Scottish range of crisps and popcorn. We wish the Taylors team all the best and look forward to seeing more developments and new products as they continue to grow. In the meantime, we’re excited to keep making and developing Scotland’s favourite ice cream and our farm-made chocolate on the renewably powered family farm.”