Craft food firm with Hebridean roots hits £1m after selling thousands of ready meals

A pre-prepared meal business that aims to “bring the best of Scotland’s larder to more people at home” is closing in on the £1 million turnover milestone.

Since its major retail deal with the Co-op launched less than three months ago, Stewart's Kitchen has sold over 10,000 meals. The Lanarkshire-based company, which has just nine employees, is fast approaching the £1m annual turnover milestone.

Since a major retail deal with the Co-op launched less than three months ago, Stewart’s Kitchen has sold more than 10,000 meals.

The Lanarkshire firm, which has just nine employees at present, has Hebridean roots and uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Established by Douglas Stewart, a young entrepreneur hailing from North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, the firm launched under the umbrella brand of The Hebridean Food Company in June.

Stewart, managing director of Stewart’s Kitchen, said: “This achievement shows the demand for our produce and it’s fitting we can mark this occasion during Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight. Our primary aim is to encourage more people to enjoy fresh Scottish produce and it’s fantastic that our range in the Co-op has been well received.”

Kevin Buchan, Co-op local sourcing buying manager, Scotland, added: “We are delighted to be working closely with local suppliers such as Stewart's Kitchen. Co-op is all about connecting communities, making a difference and creating value locally, and our work to celebrate and support local suppliers, while promoting and showcasing great Scottish food and drink, is a cornerstone of this approach.”

The deal is currently in 69 Co-op stores across Scotland. The handmade dishes include chicken Braemar wrapped in streaky bacon and filled with Stornoway black pudding, served with buttery mashed potato and a peppercorn sauce; and Scottish beef olive slow cooked in an onion gravy, served with a creamy mashed potato.

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