Moray Firm Walker's Shortbread Tops £200 Million In Annual Sales For First Time

SALES OF WALKER’S SHORTBREAD TOPPED £200MILLION LAST YEAR FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE MORAY COMPANY’S HISTORY

The Aberlour-based business has announced its annual figures for 2024, which mark a 9% increase on the previous year.

The 127-year-old family firm attributes this growth to several factors, including an ongoing positive response from the public to its redesigned packaging.

Walker’s also experienced a strong festive trading period, particularly in the UK.

Growth overseas was also healthy, with the US remaining a key market for the brand.

Nicky Walker, managing director of Walker's Shortbread Ltd

Commenting on the figures, managing director Nicky Walker said: “It was an encouraging year for Walker’s Shortbread.

“To exceed £200m in sales is an incredible achievement for the business and this milestone is testament to the continued hard work and commitment of our workforce.

“As a business we are proud of our rich history and heritage and we are increasingly focused on protecting the business to ensure generations to come can continue to enjoy ‘Scotland at its Finest’.

“We are pleased to see some of the improvements and efficiencies we have made internally working in conjunction with our brand revitalisation which has undoubtedly aided our commercial operations, having a positive impact on performance.”

He continued: “Despite significant growth this year, we are maintaining a pragmatic and cautious outlook, as we continue to try to manage external political and economic factors putting pressure on the business, our supply chains and our customers.”

Sir James Walker. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

Last year was also a poignant year for the business with the sudden passing in December of Sir James Walker.

Talking about the death of his uncle, Mr Walker added: “This sadly marked the end of the third generation of the family whose leadership and vision were instrumental in shaping the business into the world-renowned brand it is today.

“We will continue to honour their legacy as we plan for the future and, as always, we are committed to serving our customers, employees, stakeholders and the local Speyside community from our home in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.”

Credit: Moray firm Walker's Shortbread tops £200 million in annual sales for first time