Finalist Spotlight 2025: Export of the Year Award - Walker's Shortbread

GLOBAL SUCCESS FROM SPEYSIDE: WALKER’S SHORTBREAD UP FOR EXPORT AWARD

Walker’s Shortbread, one of Moray’s most iconic and globally recognised brands, has been named a finalist for the Export of the Year Award at the 2025 Moray Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Awards. From its roots in Speyside to shelves in nearly 100 countries, the company continues to set the benchmark for Scottish food exports and international brand excellence.

Proudly based in Moray, Walker’s produces its world-famous shortbread using traditional family recipes across six manufacturing sites, employing around 1,200 people. Despite global supply-chain challenges in recent years, the business has delivered remarkable international growth - achieving a 37% increase in overseas sales since 2021, with exports now representing over half of all sales.

This sustained success has been driven by strategic pricing, increased operational efficiency and the worldwide rollout of a refreshed core shortbread range, supported by targeted marketing and in-market brand activations. Long-standing distributor partnerships - some spanning more than 35 years - continue to be central to Walker’s export strength, with 70% of its branded volume now sold outside the UK.

While its reach is global, Walker’s commitment to Moray remains unwavering. All products are manufactured exclusively in Scotland, ensuring that export success delivers direct economic benefit to the region. The company also places strong emphasis on ethical employment, environmental stewardship and long-term investment in people, automation and local supply chains.

Looking ahead, Walker’s has identified significant export opportunities across North America, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific region, as well as continued momentum in Global Travel Retail. The brand’s modernised tartan packaging, introduced in 2024, is designed to appeal to new generations of consumers while honouring its heritage.

As one of Moray’s largest private employers—and a business shaping Scotland’s international reputation for quality food and drink—Walker’s Shortbread exemplifies the innovation, resilience and global ambition celebrated by the Export of the Year Award.

Find out more at Walker's Shortbread